ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20890, 23 August 1939, Page 7

ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA

.RELIEF OF TENSION ELIMINATING WAR MENACE FOREIGN DIPLOMATS STUNNED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Te’.. Copyright) LONDON, August 22 The Soviet official news agency in Moscow announced that Herr von Ribbentrop will arrive at Moscow in a few days to negotiate a RussoGerman non-aggression pact. The statement adds: “After the conclusion of the Russo-German trade agreement the problem of improving political relations arose, and an exchange of views on the subject established that both Governments desired to relieve the mutual political tension, eliminate the war menace and conclude a non-aggression pact." All German news agencies carry the official announcement of the pact, the text of which states: “The German and Soviet Governments have reached an understanding regarding the conclusion of a non-aggression pact. Herr von Ribbentrop will arrive in Moscow on Wednesday to conclude negotiations." An official announcement from Moscow today confirmed the intention of Russia and Germany to conclude a non-aggression pact. Foreign diplomats in Berlin are stunned by the news. They consider the pact will vastly strengthen Herr Hitler’s hand, enabling him to press his antiPolish campaign with renewed vigour. It is even suggested Poland might now be willing to negotiate on what she has hitherto steadfastly refused to discuss. The news shocked Warsaw, where the first reaction was to wait and see what Britain and France propose doing. Some observers 'think it will mean the end of the British-French-Russian talks, but others point out that non-aggression pacts do not affect alliances; they recall that the FrancoPolish Alliance remained in force in spite of the Polish-German non-ag-gression pact which Herr Hitler subsequently denounced. Ultimatum Expected It is hinted in Danzig that directly the Russo-German pact is signed, Germany will present Poland with a 24-hour ultimatum. Hungary considers Poland's fate is sealed and the western Powers will now be unable to assist any small Powers in east Europe. The London Daily Herald (Labour) in a leading article says: “The announcement represents one of the most astounding and most shocking reversals of policy in history.” Relieving the Strain The Soviet press organ Pravda, editorially commenting on the RussoGerman trade agreement, announced yesterday, says: ■‘Born in an atmosphere of strained political relations, the agreement is destined to relieve that atmosphere. It may prove a serious step toward further improvement, not only in economic, but political relations between the Soviet Union and Germany.” JAPAN’S LESSON CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS DIUYE INTO CHINA LIKELY .United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. CopyritrbtLONDON, August 22 The Japanese Prime Minister. Baron Iliranumn. and the War Minister. General Hagaki. conferred on the new situation arising from the Russo-Ger-man pact. A message from Peking says it k> expected Russia will drive into China now- she is fro in Europe. It is thought Japan has learned a bitter lesson about the value of the Anti-Comintern-Pact assurances.