WARSAW FACES NAZI MIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 23368, 11 September 1939, Page 7

WARSAW FACES NAZI MIGHT

HEROIC RESISTANCE BY POLES HIGH MORALE OF ALL RANKS PERFECT STEADINESS IN HOUR OF TRIAL (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright RUGBY, September 10. A Ministry of Information bulletin states that detailed reports of the actual progress of the German attack upon Poland are difficult to obtain in the heat of the battle, but several things stand out —the heroic resistance offered by the Polish armies against tremendous odds, the exceptionally high morale of all ranks, and their toughness and steadiness in retreat. Field-Marshal Goering confessed in a broadcast yesterday that Germany has had to mass 70 divisions to prosecute the work of aggression against Poland. Yet, despite this tremendous weight of men and material, the Polish army carried out its withdrawal in orderly manner, with a steadiness which must excite admiration among beholders. It is too soon as yet to talk of what will happen to Warsaw during this early stage of the war. What is certain is that the Polish army is firmly in being and is showing qualities which evoke universal admiration. GERMANY’S BIG PUSH. Tiie Ministry of Information states that the Polish army “has shown no signs of cracking,” despite Germany’s big push. DEFENDERS RETIRING SLOWLY. A Warsaw radio announced that the defenders are retiring slowly from positions around the city, but the Germans have not made “important” gains. Heavy fighting is reported in the north and south-west suburbs. German planes bombed the city throughout the day.

GERMAN REPORT ADVANCE DN WARSAW CONTINUES BULK OF POLISH ARMY TRAPPED LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 12.5 p.m.) • A German High Command communique, dealing with Southern Poland, announces the capture of Lods. The German Government spokesman Explained that motorised troops reacnod the centre of Warsaw on September 9, but, encountering snipers, withdrew to the outskirts in order to await the arrival of the main army. German pursuit of the Poles continues between the Carpathians and southern Vistula. Mechanised armoured units have broken through to the river between Sandomiers, on the Vistula, and Kutno, 60 miles west of Warsaw. German aircraft are bombing the Polish lines of communication and towns ahead of the German advance, including Lemberg and Brest-Litovsk. The German forces in the north have reached the area west of Wolclawek, on the Vistula, north of Plock, and their spearhead is advancing from Lipno, 80 miles north-west of Warsaw, north-east of which the Germans have gained a foothold on the River Bug, and are fighting round Lomzu on the River Narew. The High Command claimed that Warsaw is burning because Polish artillery is heavily bombarding the “ abandoned city,” also that the bulk of the Polish army is being squeezed into a huge trap with four armies drawing the loop, not only around Warsaw, but on a 175-mile salient west of Warsaw to Posen. A Bucharest message states that reports from the front indicate that the Polish forces are consolidated on a prearranged front along the Narew, Bug, and Vistula Rivers, and are organising longrange resistance in the north-east of Poland. " PARTS OF WARSAW BURNING " OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM BERLIN LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 12.45 p.m.) The British United Press states that it in officially announced in Berlin that parts of Warsaw are burning, but this is not due to incendiary bombing. The Associated Press correspondent at Sniatyn (Poland) says a section of Lemberg is reported to be burning. German planes are alleged to have machine-gunned the streete. Polish headquarters declare that Warsaw is ready for defence. POLISH TROOPS MASSING DEFENCE EAST OF THE VISTULA LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1 p.m.) Observers here believe that if the Polish army can be stabilised it will march to victory, since the bulk of its mechanised equipment is safe. The fate of the Polish soldiers in the course of the retreat from the Corridor is unknown, A, million Polish troops are

GOEH’S SPEECH FRENCH COMMENT AN INSULT TO POLAND PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10 a.m.) The French Ministry of Information says: “Field-Marshal Goering’s warning to workers to prepare for a siege and privation shows that he apparently fears that such conditions might tend towards internal disintegration. For the first time in history a statesman has asked for sacrifices from his people, not for the defence of their country or an idea], but to conquer another’s goods. Field-Marshal Goering insults Poland by describing her as a plunderer—Poland who was thrice partitioned by Prussia and was attacked on the present occasion without an ultimatum.” Field-Max-shal Goering’s speech was broadcast iu several languages. A special appeal was made to America, urging Americans no longer to sympathise with Britain, who willingly sank the Athenia, with hundreds of Americans aboard.

reported to be massing on the east bank of the Vistula, and others are defending the Bug River. Occupants of a train conveying Government officials arriving in Southeast Poland say it was continually bombed during the five days’ journey. RESISTANCE STILL HOLDING POSITION SOUTH OF PULTUSK LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 2 p.m.) 1 The Times ’ correspondent at the Polish frontier declares that Polish resistance is still stemming the invaders south of Pultusk, while the Polish garrison, supported by the heaviest artillery, has not been dislodged from the He! Peninsula outside Gdynia. LWOW WARNED MUST PREPARE FOR SIEGE . NEW YORK, September 10. (Received September 11, at 2 p.m.) The Budapest correspondent of the Associated Press of America states that a Warsaw radio message has issued a warning that Lwow must prepare for a siege similar to Warsaw’s, after which the Lwow radio called on residents to prepare to resist. The Warsaw message said that the Germans were rapidly pushing towards Lwow in the attempt to cut off Poland’s communication with Rumania and Hungary. Frequent air raid alarms were audible in Lwow’s broadcast, indicating an unremitting bombardment. Mothers in both cities are urged to sew children’s names on their clothing.

The Warsaw radio warned residents not to pick up wads of banknotes German aviators dropped into the streets “ with no further explanation.” The Germans intermittently interfered with both radios and then broadcast pro-Nazi bulletins on the same wavelengths.

THE WESTERN FRONT NAZI COUNTER-OFFENSIVES SHOCK TROOPS IN ACTION ATTACKS PRECEDED BY BARRAGE PA It IS, September 10. ('Received September 11, at 10 a.in.) The ‘ Midi ' says: The French offensives forced the occupants of the West Wall to undertake counteroffensives, using shock troops stationed behind the lines. Infantry action was preceded by a barrage.” BRITAIN FULLY PREPARED ANTI-AIRCRAFT AND COAST DEFENCES (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 10. (Received September 11, at 11 a.m.) The War Office announces that the anti-aircraft and coast defences of Britain aro now fully prepared for all emergencies, all keyed up and in high spirits. The fine weather has enabled them to put the finishing touches to their training and they have profited to the full by the opportunity for intensive work since mobilisation. FRENCH ON GERMAN SOIL ADMISSION FROM BERLIN PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.45 p.m.) German wireless news from Berlin announces that French armoured cars entered German territory for the first time. Many French were killed and an officer captured. FRENCH ADVANCE POSTS REINFORCED NOW A CONTINUOUS LINE PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.5 p.m.) An official communique states: “A series of methodic actions enabled advances between the Saar and the Vosges.” ‘ L(? Temps ’ semi-officially stages that a French division dented one point in the Siegfried Line. The Germans, marching through underground galleries and collieries, counter-attacked the French in the Saar basin after emerging with machine guns and automatic rillos. A semi-official review of the situation says the French spent the night of September 9 in the area conquered on September 7, strengthening positions and establishing liaison with their starting points. Their advance guards in the captured German blockhouses fought off night raiders. Fresh troops have joined the isolated forward positions, converting them into a continuous line. GERMAN OFFENSIVE LAUNCHED PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.5 p.m.) A war communique says that the Germans launched an offensive in the Siervk region east of Moselle. FRANCE RUSHING TROOPS TO ITALIAN BORDER RAILWAYS UNDER MILITARY AUTHORITIES NEW YORK, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.50 p.m.) The Rome correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ says the French are rushing reinforcements to the ItalianFrench border. Material and men are massing throughout the northern Savoy and Mondane sectors. General mobilisation will take at least a fortnight. The railways are under the command of the military authorities. Passenger trains aro packed with reservists, some travelling two to three days to reach their regiments. There are large concentrations of men, machine guns, field guns, and small tanks near Chambery. The Mondano station is packed with Italians and Yugoslavs going home. FRESH FRENCH ADVANCE WITHIN THREE MILES OF SIEGFRIED LINE NEW YORK, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.50 p.m.) The Basle (Switzerland) correspondent of the American Associated Press says the French forces in the Saar are reported to have resumed tho attack shortly after daybreak and pushed within range of the automatic arms of the main Siegfried forts, under three miles separating them from the forts at some points. It is also reported that tho French are moving into action in the Vosges foothills. The French occupy the towns of Lauterbach, Bisten, and Berus and the villages of Carisbrunu, St. Nikolaus, and Überherru, with the German salient between Rosel and Bist Creeks, west and south from Saarbrucken, wiped out. Tho line at present appears to run parallel with the Saar River north-west from the Forbach area tinning west near Merzig and joining the old frontier near A pach.

THE WAR AT SEA TWO MORE BRITISH SHIPS SUNK ALL THE CREWS RESCUED LONDON, Sepember 10. (Received September 11, at 9.5 a.m.) A Ministry of Information communique states that the British steamers Winkleigh and Goodwood wore torpedoed and sunk. All the crews were rescued. Several of the Goodwood’s crew were injured, and the captain’s legs were broken. Submarines chased the Warwick Castle and the Chloris, but they eluded their attackers. The German merchantmen, Baldur and Vegesack, are reported to have gone ashore on tho Norwegian coast. [Built in 1927, the Winkleigh was a single-decked steamer of 5,055 tons gross and 9,005 net, 409 ft long, with a draught of 25ft Sin and a beam of 55ft 4iu, registered in London. She was built for the Tatem Steam and Navigation Company, London, by W. Pickersgill and Sons, Sunderland.] [Single-decked, with a cruiser stern, the steamship Goodwood was built two vears ago by S. P. Austin and Sous," Sunderland, for Prance, lienwick, and Co., and was registered m London. Her gross tonnage was 2,/96. and her net tonnage 1.627, while she was 30Gft din long, with a draught ot 19ft 3in and a beam ot 44ft om.J OPERATING FURTHER AFIELD LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10 a.m.) The Ministry of Information states; “ It appears that German submarines are now operating far afield, but our attacks and counter-measures are unremitting.” THE ADMIRALTY'S TASK MAINTAINING EMPIRE SEA COMMUNICATIONS (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 10. (Received September 11, at 11.5 a.m.) Though the Admiralty announced no definite results of the counter measures against U boats beyond the .possible suecess against one submarine minelayer, flotillas of British destroyers and light craft are still active. During the first week of the war His Majesty’s ships of all types have been at sea all over the world in their task of. maintaining the sea communications of the Empire. They have been particularly busy in waters round; the British Isles and in the Atlantic. While we have incurred the loss of various merchant ships through submarine operations, many more enemy merchantmen have been captured or sunk or driven to take refuge in neutral harbours in many parts nf the world. . The convoy system, which the Admiralty announced long before tho war as one of onr essential defence measures, will soon be in operation, with the result that U boat sinkings will tend to decrease.

It must be realised, however, that tho convoy system cannot be put into operation immediately on tho outbreak of war. With ships scattered all over the face of tho globe it takes some time for the system to become fully effective. During the first week of this war there have been no major naval operations to be recorded. On the other sire of the picture, however, there has been intense activity on the part of smaller craft, particularly destroyers, escort vessels, and patrol craft. They, like minesweepers, have had little rest. Many of these smaller ships are manned by reservists—men drawn largely from the merchant navy and the fishing fleets. Like the men of the Royal Navy itself, they are giving magnificent and tireless service. Thousands of other reservists, including many pensioners and veterans of the last war, are serving in the larger ships of the Fleet. Most of these thought they were finished with the sea for over, and were engaged in many professions and callings ashore. They have come forward to serve again, and their keenness and spirt of selfsacrifice have been truly wonderful. But what stands out is the gallantry of the officers and men of the merchantmen navy, who, in unarmed ships, are carrying on their tasks of feeding and supplying this country in the face of the submarine peril. Their spirit has been no less magnificent than that of the British merchant seamen of 1914-18. To these fine men the people of Britain and the Empire have good reason to be grateful. Their spirit is unquenchable. SHIPPING FREIGHTS INCREASED ANNOUNCEMENT FROM SYDNEY SYDNEY, September 11. (Received September 11, at 12.5 p.m.) An immediate increase of 25 per cent, in overseas shipping freights is announced by the Overseas Shipping Representatives’ Association. Because of tho war all forward quotation bookings and freight contracts have been cancelled. HITLER IN THE AIR FLIES OVER POLISH TROOPS BERLIN, September 10. (Received September 11, at 2.15 p.m.) It is officially announced that Herr Hitler flew over Polish troops fleeing south from Warsaw*

SOLD TO ITALIAN LINE?

BREMEN NOW REPORTED AT NAPLES PORTUGUESE NEWSPAPER'S STORY LISBON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10 a.m.) The newspaper, ‘ Diario Noticias,’ claimed that the 'Bremen was sold to an Italian line, and that she arrived at Naples on Saturday. The newspaper says that warships halted the Bremen flying tho Italian flag soon after she left New York. When it was explained that she had been sold tho previous week tho Bremen was permitted to continue. FRANCE AND SPAIN FACT OF FRIENDSHIP LIKELY (Independent Cable Service.) MADRID, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10 a.m.) There is a dominant belief that Spain and Franco will shortly sign a .pact of friendship. The only obstacle has disappeared owing to joint action by Marshal Retain and the Spanish Foreign Minister. RUSSIA MOVES STRENGTHENING DF WESTERN FRONTIER PRESS CRITICISM OF BRITAIN MOSCOW, September 10. (Received September 11, at 11 a.m.) Russia continues the strengthening of her western frontier. It is understood that she is requisitioning large quantities of certain supplies, especially sugar. Meanwhile the Soviet Press attacked “ the unfriendly action by England regarding the U.S.S.R.” asserting that Britain has violated friendly trade relations. GARRISON DOUBLED LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1 p.m.) The German radio assorts that the calling up of Russian reservists increases the western front garrison from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000. FRENCH APPOINTMENT NEW MILITARY GOVERNOR IN PARIS PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 2 p.m.) General Bering, aged 65, es-Governor of Strasbourg, bas succeeded as military governor in Paris General Billotto, aged 64, who has gone to the front. PRAYERS FOR PEACE WORSHIPPERS WITH GAS MASKS LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10.30 a.m.) Large congregations in the principal churches included many men in uniform. All the civilians carried gas masks. Arrangements were made to deal with possible air raid alarms, retreats being provided. There was continuous intercession at Westminster Abbey for peace. People prayed at the Unknown Warrior’s tomb throughout the day. THE FINANCIAL FRONT GERMANY ALREADY WORN OUT PARIS, September 10. (Received September 11, at 12.45 p.m.) The Finance Minister, M. lleynaud, broadcasting, said Germany “ is already worn out ” by her war preparation efforts. The French financial and economic front was infinitely superior to Germany’s, also superior to the conditions under which France entered the Great War. EASTERN LOYALTY ASSURANCES FROM ADEN PROTECTORATE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 10. (Received September 11, at 11 a.m.) Tho Sultan of Shihr and Mukalla, in the Aden Protectorate, has given 20,000 rupees from the State Treasury towards Britain’s war operations. The Sultan of Lahej, also in the Aden Protectorate, has declared all the resources of his domain to be at the disposal of Britain. Support “ with all their power ” has been offered Britain by the Sultan and 60,000 people in the eastern section of tho Aden Protectorate. The ‘ Falastiu,’ the most influential Arabic newspaper in Palestine, exhorts Arabs again in a leading article to range themselves firmly with Britain, “The war,” it says, “has put all relations with Britain on a now basis. We are now beginning with them in a new problem more serious than our own. The Arab and Moslem peoples have already made up their minds to side with democracy. No single Arab who has the interests of his country at heart is willing to be an enemy to Britain.”.

JAPAN NOT INTERVENING READJUSTMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS TOKIO, September 10. (Received September 11, at 10.30 a.m.) Emphasising that Japan was not intervening in the European war, General Abe (the Prime Minister) declared that there might in future bo “ some sort of readjustment of the diplomatic relations with Russia, the United States, England, and France. Japan will not hesitate to talk with any foreign nations seeking with a just means to readjust their relations with her.” HITLER’S MISCALCULATION, General Abe added: “ It would be a mistake to think that the outbreak of a European war provides Japan with a chance to settle the China affair easily.” General Abe urged the nation to be prepared for economic and diplomatic difficulties as a result of the European situation, which was becoming more complicated. “ A European war has broken out,” he said, “ as the result of miscalculation by Hitler. He might follow Bismarck’s example and withdraw his troops from Poland on condition that Danzig returns to the Reich. Japan will not hesitate to resume the talks with Britain provided Britain breaks the deadlock by showing sincerity.” Referring to the IRusso-German pact, General Abe said: “Von Ribbentrop distinguishes the Comintern from the Russian Government. He emphasised the possibility of distinguishing the RussoJapanese non-aggression pact from the spirit of the Anti-Comintern Pact. Such remarks are questionable and run counter to Japan’s intention. She must consider the matter from tho standpoint of her national character. The same can be said about the rumours of an Anglo-Japanese pact.” JAPAN’S INTENTIONS NON-AGGRESSION PACT WITH RUSSIA ? CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENT TOKIO, September 10. The Prime Minister of Japan warned the nation against the belief that Japan might be able to force the Western Powers to retreat from the Far East because of the European war. He also disclosed that the Japanese Government is considering a non-aggression pact with Russia. MESSAGE TO THE LEAGUE BRITAIN IN CONFORMITY WITH COVENANT LONDON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.45 p.m.) Lord Halifax has sent a letter to the League of Nations pointing out that the Government’s action conformed with the spirit of the Covenant. Germany had disregarded the Kellogg Pact and its obligations to solve a dispute without force. A NEW ZEALAND CASUALTY [Per United Press Association.] DANNEVIRKE, September 11. Advice has been received by cable that Plying Officer J. Drummond, the son of Mr and Mrs P.. Drummond, of Rnketapu, Hawke’s Bay, was killed in an air accident on September 9. He was 25 years of age, and joined the R.A.F. in July. Previously he was employed in this district. LEAFLET PLANE CRASHES IN GERMANY BERLIN, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.5 p.m.) The High Command states that the crew of a British plane, one of those which distributed leaflets in North and West Germany, crashed at Überstedt (Thuringia), where the occupants were taken prisoner. PETROL RESTRICTIONS IN BERLIN BERLIN, September 10. (Received September 11, at 1.5 p.m.) The authorities are stringently enforcing the petrol restrictions and confiscating cars whose drivers are unable to justify their use. ITEMS BY RADIO The German High Command has admitted that the advance on Warsaw has been held up, and that the section of the army to the south-east has been withdrawn to the south-west of the city, where a battle is at present in progress. The Polish High Command has issued a communique stating that full measuies are being undertaken to defend the capital The troops on the south-west section are prepared to interrupt the German advance. Of the 4,000 Czech refugees in England, 1,000 have already volunteered for the Czech Legion which is being formed in London. It has been officially announced that Britain and France are unable to make any special peace concessions at the expense of Poland. President Roosevelt has decided to summon a special session of Congress next week.

CANADA DECLARES WAR JOINS SISTER DOMINIONS OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION ISSUED FIRST AMERICAN NATION TO ENTER CONFLICT OTTAWA, September 10, (Received September 11, at 10.30 a.m.) Canada has declared war on Germany. The proclamation was cabled to London for the King’s signature, and after word had been received that the King had signed the proclamation it was published in the Official Gazette. The declaration became effective on Sunday, and the Prime Minister is expected to make a statement in the House of Commons to-morrow regarding the detailed arrangements for Canada’s participation in hostilities. This is the first time Canada has declared war, because in 1914 she merely gazetted the British declaration. Canada is also the first American nation to enter the present conflict. The text of the declaration reads: “ Whereas by and with the advice of the Privy Council wo have signified our approval of issuing a proclamation in the ‘ Canada Gazette ’ declaring that a state of war with the German Reich exists, and has existed in the dominion as from September 10, now, therefore, we hereby declare and proclaim that a state of war with the Reich exists, and has existed in the dominion as from September 10. Issued under the seal of Lord Tweedsmuir in the name of His Majesty. A message from Washington says that the United States has applied the Nontrality Law to Canada. President Roosevelt signed two proclamations, the first extending the embargoes to Canada, and the second again proclaiming the United States neutrality to the world. ITALY’S DELICATE TASK MAINTENANCE DF NEUTRALITY EFFORT TO ORGANISE BALKAN BLOC NEW YORK, September 9. The Rome correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ says that Italy through the inspired Press, reaffirms her determination to remain neutral indefinitely. This emphasis means that Germany’s exhibition of military strength has not induced Italy to throw in her lot and, therefore, until there is another phase of the war calling for a decision Italy will continue as at present. That moment may be very soon. The people are showing the will to peace in all circumstances. There has been ho mention of the Axis since the hostilities started. Italians accustomed to daily mention of it are wondering why, and a public explanation might bring an avalanche on Italy. I] Duco is silent because the situation is such that he cannot burn either of the two bridges connecting with Berlin and with England and Prance. The Rome correspondent of the ‘ New York Times ’ previously reported that Italy is feverishly endeavouring to strengthen her position in the Balkans and to organise a strong Balkan neutrality bloc. Italian neutrality has enabled the Balkan States and Hungary to stay out of war, but if one enters all will be forced in, including Italy. The balance is delicate and difficult to maintain, and it will be more _ difficult if Poland is conquered quickly. Therefore Italy is working fast. The chief difficulty obviously is to persuade Britain and Prance to agree. Balkan neutrality would not only protect Germany’s flank, but would leave available for Germany an enormous source of food and raw materials, which must be partly diverted before the Allies will accept the neutrality plan. Rumania recently offered Hungary, a non-aggression pact, which was turned down, but it has been offered again, and as a result of Italian intervention has not yet been refused. Only Rumania and \ugoslavia have formally declared neutrality. The Rumanian public is pro-French and anti-German, but the country’s position is most vulnerable. There is reason to believe that the Pope favours the neutrality bloc. The Holy See’s relations with Italy have rarely been more friendly as a result of Italy keeping out of war, but the maintenance of Italian neutrality is a most delicate task. Britain, France or Germany could force participation overnight, and therefore Italy must be most careful to satisfy all. EVACUATION DF CIVILIANS CLEARING THICKLY-POPULATED AREAS LONDON, September 8. Over 1,317.000 persons have been evacuated from the thickly-populated areas in England and Scotland, including Greater London, and 700,000 from other areas. The areas include Glasgow, Clydebank, Birmingham, Coventry, Liverpool, Birkenhead, Merseyside. Manchester, Bradford, Hull. Leeds, Sheffield, Edinburgh. Portsmouth, Southampton, Chatham, Rochester, and Dundee. The figures do not include areas which have not yet submitted full returns. CONSCRIPTION IN AUSTRALIA NO SUPPORT FROM OPPOSITION CANBERRA, September 10. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr J. Curtin, in a broadcast to-night, said that the Federal Labour Party would not support the conscription of the man-power of Australia nor would it agree to the Commonwealth sending a military- force overseas. It claimed that the maximum man-power of Australia was the minimum required to safeguard this country. At the same time. Mr Curtin said, his party agreed that the British Government had no alternative than to act as it had done.

WIDE SUPPORT FOR BRITAIN ASSURANCES FROM NATIVE RULERS WAR AGAINST NAZIS UNDERSTOOD (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 10. (Received September 11, at 8 a.m.) According to information released by, the Ministry of Information, the Persian Gulf chief rulers have sent ins. ,r----ing messages of support to the King. The Sultan of Oman and Muscat expressed the hope that the British forces may be successful, and his desire ta render such assistance as ho can. The Shiekh of Bahrein, independent Arab State, has asked the British Government to accept his assurance of all the support he and his people can provide. The SJiiekh of Koweit and tho Sheikh of Dabai believe in the justice of the British cause, and wish to offer their services and resources. The loyalty of 20,000,000 Nigerians and the determination to do all they can to aid the British Government is being expressed in spontaneous messages from chiefs and communities of people all over tho country. In Syria the Lebanese communitymany of whom come from the French mandated territory of Syria—are among those who have offered every possible assistance. It is reported from Malta that there have been many offers to join auxiliary services, and that women are proving particularly keen volunteers. In the Barhadoes the reasons for England’s answer to the challenge of the Nazi rulers are thoroughly understood In Zanzibar the population is solidly with the British Government. The leading Cairo newspaper. • El Jehad,’ strongly supports the declaration of loyalty made by groups of Arab notables in Jaffa to the Acting District Commissioner. The colony of Ceylon has signified its whole-hearted support of Britain’s prosecution of war made by a resolution of the State Council. The Legislative Council of Tanganyika. at a special session, conveyed on behalf of the whole of the people of the territory its readiness to give wholehearted and willing service tp Britain’s war. AMERICAN RED CROSS HELP REINFORCEMENTS FOR PANAMA CANAL WASHINGTON, September 10. (Received September 11, at 8 a.m.) It is officially announced that Mr Summer Welles will be tho United States delegate to the Pan-American conference on September 21. _ The American Red Cross is sending Poland 50,000 do) worth of hospital goods and blankets. Twenty-five thousand dollars have been advanced to the American Paris Hospital. General Woodring has ordered two infantry regiments, totalling 2,700 men, to reinforce the garrison at the Panama Canal. SIAM’S NEUTRALITY ASSURANCES FROM BRITAIN (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 9. (Received September 11, at 8 a.m.) A Ministry of Information bulletin states the Thai (Siam) Government has been for some weeks past manifesting a certain nervousness as to the possibility of violation of its neutrality by belligerent Powers and that this nervousness appears to have been deliberately fostered by outside elements,. The British Minister at Bangkok accordingly has been instructed to assure the Thai Government that so long as Thai neutrality is respected by tha other Powers, it will, of course, be completely respected by the British Government. This assurance is similar to the one already given to the Swiss and other Governments, and it is hoped it will effectively remove any doubte that may have been harboured in Thailand concerning the British attitude toward* that country. CITIZENS’ ADVICE BUREAU NEW BRITISH ORGANISATION (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 10. (Received September 11, at 8 a.m.) 1 A Citizens’ Advice Bureau has been; set up in London, with 110 centres in the metropolis. The scheme, sponsored by voluntary social service organisations, advises citizens on war-time personal problems, such as separation allowances, rent, hire purchase agreements and explanations. Tho scheme will later operate throughout the country. GERMAN TRIAL FLIGHTS CANCELLED ACTION BY ARGENTINA BUENOS AIRES, September 10. (Received September 11, at 8 a.m.)' The Argentine Government has cancelled permits for the trial flights projected by the German-owned South American Line on the ground that th* airman might reconnoitre and give til* location of British warships.