WARSAW'S FATE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 223, 9 October 1940, Page 3

WARSAW'S FATE

anniversary of fall CONTRAST IX T.OXDON In a statement issued on the .anniversary 'or the capturc of Warsaw by the Germans the Polish Minister oi' Information, Professor Stronski, compared tlic ruthless and systematic destruction of the Polish capital by the Germans after its defences had been overwhelmed Avith resistance to similar terroristic attacks on London backed by defences Avhich themselves more than a match for the German air force. Professor Stronski says: "To-day is the anniversary of the entry of German troops into WarsaAv. The story of the siege of WarsaAV begins on the first day of the outbreak of hostilities, at daAvn on September 1, 1939, Avith the iiwasion of Poland by the air forces of Germany Avithout a declaration of Avar. The first air raid on WarsaAV took place at >5 a.m. on September \ f and on September 18, after the German ultimatum to the city to surrender, Avhich AA r as rejected, the Germans began the systematic destruction of the city by artillery bombardment and air bombing, Avhich lasted Avithout interruption for 10 clays.' "A City of Ruins'" "By September 24 all the public utility services AA'ere destroyed. The city lacked Avater, electricity and gas. Bread became scarce, and the ammunition A\as nearly exhausted. But the defenders of WarsaAV, aided 'by the civilian population under the leadership of the heroic Lord May■oi, Stefan StarzynSAvi, fought on. "Infuriated by the continued resistance, the Germans increased the intensity of their bombing, and the bombardment, Avhich they maintained for three clays, came to a climax on September 27. Next day the WarsaAV Command, lacking all means of defence, capitulated. The capital of Poland "was a city of ruins, .graveyards, hunger and disease. "No one in Poland regrets this destruction. Every Pole knoAvs that the defence of WarsaAV Avas unavoidable,'because through it Poland demonstrated before the Avorld her determination to defend her freedom and independence as a nation, just as London demonstrates noAA r the determination of Great Britain to defend her Empire and the civilisation of the whole AA'orld. London has made its oAvn decision Avith the same courage Avhich inspired the defenders of WarsaAV, but—fortunately for the freedom of the Avorld—with incomparably greater advantages and resources than WarsaAA' had".

Comparison of Battles. "After three weeks of the present blitzkrieg on London it is possible to draw a comparison between the two capitals. Warsaw was completely isolated from the outer Avorfd The ring of besieging armies had cut off all supplies, of food and ammunition. The defences of Warsaw* had neither balloon barrage nor, after a few daj r s, an air force. The city's anti-aircraft artillery'Avas silenced in the second week of the siege. German heavy artillery destroyed all public utility services, and the Polish capital had no water, gas or electricity. "London, on the other hand, has all its marvellous defences intact. The city is functioning normally, as the capital of the Empire. Thanks to the might of the British Navy, it can draw unhampered upon the resources of the world. An elaborated balloon barrage is protecting the city. The powerful anti-aircraft artillery is increasing its strength daily and the city is plentifully supplied Avith food. But, above all, the defences of London can rely upon the assured and groAA'ing superiority of the Roj r al Air Force oA r er the German LuftAvafTe, Feeling of Security. "Owing to the enormous strength of the British fighter squadrons, Ger ■ mans can hardly reach London during the day, and during the night they do not dare to fly loaa t enough to cause as much damage as they'did in Warsaw. London may feel secure under the protection of the Royal Air Force; Every day brings new victories to British Hurricanes and Spit fires. "Polish fighting pilots are particularly happy to be able to haA r e their share in the battle of London. Already the famous Polish squadron, No. 303, has shot down during the month of September more than 100 German aeroplanes. By its success in the battle of London in Septem- . ber, 19-10, the Polish Air Force is'repaying the Germans for the tragic ftile of Warsaw in 1939.'''