THE GERMAN-SOVIET PACT

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

THE GERMAN-SOVIET PACT

GUARANTEE OF NEUTRALITY WILL NOT ATTACK EACH OTHER “DANZIG MUST COME BACK TO THE REICH” (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) ('Received August 23, 11.15 a.m.) BERLIN, Aug. 22 The offirial spokesman declared that Germany is preserving a waiting attitude until the pact with Russia is signed. Danzig must come back to the Reich. He added that there are interesting developments ahead. ROME, Aug. 22 It is reported that the Russian-German Pact pledges—(l) Abstention from attacking each other; (2) in the event of one party being the victim of an attack by a third party the other will remain neutral; (3) in the event of either committing an act of aggression the other may denounce the agreement. Signor Gayda says Poland is isolated. The pact does not affect other agreements which Russia may make, but does exclude the possibility of Russia being dragged into operations against Germany. This affects not only Poland but the East Mediterranean, where the policy of encirclement is especially intense.

NOT SURPRISED

POLISH GOVERNMENT MEETS RUSSIAN HELP NOT EXPECTED United Pres 3 Assn. —Fee. »J. Coovriirnw LONDON, August 22 The Polisli Ambassador to Berlin, M. Lipski, arrived in Warsaw at midnight by a special aeroplane from Berlin, and immediately conferred with the Foreign Minister, Colonel Beck. The Government, in the early hours this morning, discussed the situation in view of the report of the RussoGerman non-aggression agreement. It is reported that Poland is not surprised at the Russo-German agreement, as it has more than once been pointed out that the Soviet did not desire to involve herself in European affairs, and other countries might have spared themselves disappointment if they had heeded the Polish views. It is stated that the Polish programme of policy never envisaged Russian help.

POLAND READY

FORTIFICATION MANNED OPPOSITE THE GERMAN BORDER (Indepencent cable) Received August 23, 11.35 a.m.) BETHUN, August 22 The Poles have manned the fortifications opposite the German border and are constructing machine-gun pillars.

Engineers are preparing to blow up the Netze river locks and the Upper Silesian dams.

FURTHER TALKS

BRITAIN, FRANCE AND SOVIET ITALY NOT INFORMED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Aug. 23, .11 a.m.) MOSCOW, Aug. 22 Sir William Seeds. British Ambassador, conferred with M. Molotoff this evening. M. Nlg£lar, French diplomat, conferred with M. Molotoff earlier. LONDON, Aug. 22 The Evening Standard’s diplomatic correspondent states on the highest authority that Germany did not inform Italy of the proposed pact.

GERMAN MINISTER

FEELING IN AMERICA

DISCUSSIONS IN MOSCOW SURPRISE 'FOR RUSSIAN PEOPLE ANGLO-FRENCH MISSIONS MEET (United Pres? Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrignt) (Received August 23, 11.10 a.m.) MOSCOW, August 22 All Soviet newspapers publish without comment the news of Herr von Ribbentrop's visit, which surprised the average citizen. Representatives of the AngloFrench military missions conferred this afternoon, but did not meet the Russians. Herr von Ribbentrop will bring a staff of 32 advisers, and will be quartered in a house next door to the British mission. GERMAN WARSHIPS OFF THE DANISH COAST WAR PLANES AT DANZIG United Press Assn.—Etec. Tel. Copyright (Received Aug. 23, 1 p.m.) London, Aug. 22 German warships have been reported off the Danish coasts, carrying out mine-laying exercises. Sweden has ordered its second submarine squadron, which was due to visit Ostend, to remain in home waters. Warplanes are reported to be arriving at Danzig at frequent intervals. STOCKHOLM, Aug. 2*2 Swedish Ministers abroad have been ordered to abandon their holidays anu return to their posts.

DUPLICITY OF M. STALIN “LET THEM FIGHT IT OUT” (United Press. Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW Y'ORIv, August 22 It is felt in some quarters in Wash* ington that the Russo-German agree- ! ment will be passive, not aggressive. | It is pointed out that it is merely a reiteration, because the non-aggression pact signed in 1920 lias not been denounced. The New Y’ork Times, in an editorial article, says: “If the step has been long contemplated it seems strange that statin went to such elaborate ■lengths ol' duplicity in initiating the military Staff talks with Britain and France. It would be stranger, in view of Russian reserves and suspicions, if the move were a sudden decision. “It may still turn out to be grandstand play in the game of playing one side against another. If it is a real agreement it is an event of the utmost gravity. It is easy to imagine Stalin, as he surveys the sharpening struggle between the Fascist and democratic Powers, resolving to let them light it out. “A weakened, and perhaps an exhausted, Europe would hasten the end of the capitalist system and offer fertile grounds for the spread of a proletarian revolution. In the meanwhile the Soviet could turn with assurance to the East and stiffen her attitude against Japan.” REACTION IN AMERICA HOPE OF PEACEFUL SOLUTION RISES ON STOCK EXCHANGE united Press Assn.--Elec. Tei Copyrirt? (Received August 23, 1 p.m. NEW YORK, August 22 The stock market, envisaging the Russo-German Pact as an indication that the European crisis will be resolved peacefully, reacted favourably and the general list ol' stocks gained two points, while high-priced sharerose up to five points. Steel, motors, rubbers and oils were among the largest gainers. Polish bonds lost one to nine point*, but German and Italian bond* ruse.