REMARKABLE LIBERALITY SHOWN IN DIVISION OF POLAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 September 1939, Page 5

REMARKABLE LIBERALITY SHOWN IN DIVISION OF POLAND

Wonder Awakened in Minds of Russians IDEA OF CO-OPERATION AS FOREIGN AS EVER HITLER'S OFFER OF INDUCEMENTS (By Telegraph.—-Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, September 23. The Berlin correspondent of the “New York Tinies” says Unit despite the official statement that Russia and Germany agreed to the military demarcation of Poland before the Russians marched on September 18, the Gormans had then passed beyond the line. They later continued to consolidate a front which was established at an average of 100 miles east- of the line stated yesterday as the “definite military demarcation” agreed upon last week. It is officially stated in Berlin that Germany is not pressing the siege of Warsaw because it is no longer important for military purposes. “Germany does not desire to waste a single precious drop of blood in unnecessary fighting,” the communique adds. Yet, in the light of yesterday’s communique revealing the demarcation and the German retreat along the entire front, it is obvious that much precious blood was wasted in the territory handed over to Russia. It is admitted that both sides have passed beyond the ethnographical borders of their respective minorities. Indeed, the minority frontiers appeal' Io have been not considered.

It is emphasised that the military demarcation is a purely preliminary solution and does not affect the final borders. The Moscow correspondent of the “New York Times” says that the final demarcation grants Russia territory far in excess of expectations. The Russian public believed that the Red army was engaged solely in the liberation of minorities, and they are now wondering what is behind the unexpected cession of territory by Germany. The idea of co-operation with the Nazis is as foreign as ever. Russian rejoicing at the idea of foreign conquests, even at the expense of Poland, is inconceivable. The satisfaction at the occupation is based on a feeling that a kindred population has been released from foreign domination.

Foreigners believe that Germany did not contemplate such extensive concessions. Germany’s confident references to British and French inability to defeat. Russia and Germany suggest that Herr Hitler was obliged to offer the Soviet fresh inducements in the shape of increased Polish territory. It is an anxious question for Britain and France as to what price Germany enforced from the Soviet for the astounding .territorial concessions, though the conviction that the salesman will not get delivery is unchanged.