MORE DISQUIETING SIGNS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 157, 29 March 1939, Page 8

MORE DISQUIETING SIGNS

In the latest news of the situation in Poland there are disquieting signs of friction with Germany. Events in Poland are beginning to assume a significant resemblance in sequence to those which preceded the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. There are allegations of illtreatment suffered by the German minority, and reported hints from Berlin that “Poland would be well advised to be cautious in her dealings with Germany.” If this evidence is reliable, the course of events in the near future may be predicted with a fair degree of certainty. German discontents will be fomented, disorders will develop, and the Polish authorities will be compelled to take suppressive measures. Herr Hitler will make his customary theatrical protest, either accompanied, or followed immediately, by exorbitant demands. Poland will refuse, and Germany will reply with a sudden raid on Danzig, the Polish corridor, and Silesia —unless she is stopped. The question is whether she can be stopped. It is rather significant that the Polish authorities are stated to have no knowledge of one alleged serious anti-German incident, while as to the general tenor of the complaints from Berlin, they consider that the language used is unjustified. This exaggeration of grievances, if true, would suggest that Nazi propaganda is assuming a provocative tendency with the object of forcing an early crisis between the two countries and thus forestalling action by the democratic coalition Britain and Prance are endeavouring to organize in Europe. This possibility is strengthened bv the indication given in the British Official Wireless message todav that these negotiations are being pursued, as far as Britain is concerned, “in a mood which precludes unnecessary delay and also by the report that the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel Beck, is to arrive at London on April 3 to participate in conversations with the British Government.