RUSSIA’S REASONS

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 9

RUSSIA’S REASONS

BROADCAST BY M. MOLOTOV BREAKDOWN OF POLAND THREATENS SOVIET INTERESTS CANNOT REMAIN NEUTRAL LONGER MOSCOW, September 17. ((Received September 18, at 11 a.ra.) M. Molotov, broadcasting for the first time in his life, said: “ The last phase in the breakdown of Poland gradually assumed a threatening character for the Soviet. Nobody would have imagined that the Polish forces could have been driven back so rapidly. _ In the situation which has arisen (Russia’s/ treaties with Poland have ceased to have any significance because the Polish State has virtually disappeared. Internal bankruptcy is patent. The incapability of the Polish State has been demonstrated in events in the past fortnight. Poland has lost all her industrial centres, Warsaw has ceased to exist as the centre of the Government, and nobody knows where the Government has gone. Such a situation imposes particular concern on the Russian Government. The rapid advance of the German troops has created a new situation in Eastern Europe. The Soviet Government is willing to help the Polish people to escape the catastrophe into which they have been plunged through the adventurous and unscrupulous policy of their Government. Polish territory has become the field for any kind, of accident or eventuality. The Soviet has been neutral to the last, but cannot remain neutral in the face of this situation, nor can it remain neutral to the fate of the Ukrainian and White Russian populations. Its duty is to extend the fraternal hand of assistance to these people. I therefore instructed the High Command of the Red Army to march across the frontier and assume the protection of the lives and property of these peoples.” M. Molotov appealed to the army for rigorous discipline in carrying out its honourable task of emancipation-.”

Addressing Russian civilians, M. Molotov said: “ There has lately become evident a desire to accumulate food and other goods because of the fear of the introduction of ration cards. The Government does not intend to do this for any goods, even if the present measures are prolonged. Our country is well provided with necessities and can dispense with food rationing. The current problem for Soviet employees, intellectuals, and all citizens is to work honestly and self-sacrificingly at their posts, thus rendering support to the Red Army.” lam confident the army will carry out its duty with honour and glory. All citizens and the army are at present united as never before around the Government and tho great and wise leader Stalin for new and unprecedented success in peaceful labour and Red Army victories.”