ROUT OF THE POLES

Evening Star, Issue 23375, 19 September 1939, Page 5

ROUT OF THE POLES

OVERCOME BY HEAVIER FORGES GENERAL COLLAPSE IMMINENT SIEGE GUNS CLOSING IN ON WARSAW LONDON, September 17. The correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ at Zalesczyki says that the Polish military situation, which a week ago was an orderly retreat, has become the exact opposite. Tho front has collapsed completely and little more remains but for the Germans to mop up what is left of the gallant army of 1.500,000 men. They have not appeared at Zalesczyki, Sniatyn, or Kuty, but the cutting of this frontier is only a matter of time. Tlie same applies to the Latvian and Lithuanian frontiers. The present demoralisation into a rout is not attributable to lack of courage on the part of the Polish soldiers, but to the fact that their unmochanised forces have been mown down by tanks when not shot down by machine guns from aeroplanes.

The Polish wireless communications early completely collapsed, the engineers relying, like the entire nation, on courage rather than efficiency. Separate units, had not the vaguest idea where tho Polish headquarters wore situated, and knew only vaguely where the fronts were, unless they heard German wireless communiques. Even now the Poles are bravely struggling to rally their forces. Women who have been called up as constables are parading Zalesczyki in smart blue uniforms in a desperate effort to collect the remainder of the army and withdraw it to the Pripet marshes. Zalesczyki presents a pitiable appearance. The wounded are coming in in hundreds. Officers are arriving to direct the evacuation of families to Unmania. The town is bravely trying to run business as usual. The shops are doing a roaring trade ns the refugees spend their last Polish coins, knowing that they will be worthless outside the country. A message from Berlin states that German bombers have established contact with Soviet troops. The location is not announced. The siege guns are reported to be closing in on Warsaw 12 hours after the expiration of the ultimatum, hut the Ministry of Propaganda claims that it is without information regarding the city’s fate. A message from Cernauti states that large sections of the Polish army are pouring across the 'Rumanian fi’on tier, following the flight of President Mos-r-icki and the apparent collapse of the Republic, Rumania is heavilv reinforcing the frontier where the Russians and Germans are expected to meet. GERMAN ACQUISITIONS POLISH GOAL AND ORE DEPOSITS NEW YORK, September 17. Tho Berlin correspondent of the < New York Times ’ states that the strength of the German war economy has been increased as a result of the acquisition of the rich Polish coal and ore deposits. A supply of basic coal, iron, and other minerals is believed to be secure for the duration of the war. The increases in Germany’s production as a result of the acquisition of these supplies is estimated as follows:—Coal, 25 per cent.; iron ore, 9,000,000 tons; and steel and iron, 200,000 tons annually; zinc, 50 per cent. It is believed that these figures can be increased by the application of high-pressure methods. It is claimed that the mines and factories are practically undamaged as a result of the fighting. Austrian and Gorman engineers installed much equipment in days prior to the war, and therefore it is expected that production will continue without a hitch. “ NOTHING IMPORTANT TO ANNOUNCE" FRENCH COMMUNIQUE (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, September 18. September 19, at 8 a.m.) A French communique issued at S o’clock last night said: “ There is nothing important to announce. Aerial activity has been reduced owing iw the unfavourable weather.” SAFEGUARDING THE PACIFIC AUSTRALIAN LABOUR LEADER SUGGESTS CONFERENCE CANBERRA, September 18. (Received September 19, at 8 a.m.) Consultation between tho Australian and New Zealand naval, military, air, and economic experts to safeguard the portion of the British Empire in the South Pacific was advocated by the Federal Labour leader, Mr J. Curtin, to-day. A move of this character, he claimed, was necessary in view of the latest international developments, which are disquieting. Meantime the talk of sending an expeditionary force to Europe was utterly unjustified. MUCH SPECULATION DEATH OF ONE OF HITLER'S ADJUTANTS LONDON, September IS. (Received September 19, at 8 a.m.) The death of Ernest Balds, one of Herr Hitler’s adjutants, has’ created much speculation in Germany. Beyond the fact that he died suddenly while at the front with Herr Hitler, the obituary notices give no explanation or details His death caused many rumours, in view of Bahls’s close association with Herr Hitler.