STRATEGY FOR POLAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20003, 31 July 1939, Page 5

STRATEGY FOR POLAND

BRITISH GENERAL'S VISIT EVENT OP EUROPEAN WAR LONDON, July 21. The adoption of a definite co-ordin-ated plan of military action by Britain, France and Poland in the event of war will be brought about as the result of the visit to Warsaw of General Sir Edmund Ironside, the recentlyappointed Inspector-General of Overseas Forces, who has been conferring with Marshal Smigly-Rydz, the In-spector-General of the Polish forces, General Stachievicz, Chief of the General Staff, and other staff officers.

British staff officers expect that Sir Edmund Ironside will suggest that if Germany adopts the defensive on the Polish front, while site throws her reserves against the French Maginot Line, or to the south-east against Rumania, Poland must attack. \ Difficulty for Germany Such a plan is expected to appeal to the Polish temperament. What is more important, if the Polish offensive succeeded, Germany could not afford to remain on the defensive, since encroachment on the Baltic coast or toward Berlin or into the Czech industrial area would seriously weaken Germany’s strategic position. It is believed that Sir Edmund Ironside will also discuss unity command of the British* French and Pplish armies, either by appointing a single commander-in-chief, or by establishing a committee of eminent officers, with advisory powers. General’s Wide Experience The Polish army was very pleased with the choice of Sir Edmund Ironside. He has wide learning, and has had experience of warfare in Eastern Europe, having commanded the British forces in North Russia in 1918-19. He is also the author of a standard work on the Battle of Tannenburg, in the Great War. He speaks Polish fluently, although it is not one ol tiro seven languages in which he is graded as an interpreter. British officers with Sir Edmund Ironside’s knowledge of Eastern European military affairs and languages ore rare. Consequently, plans are being made to attach British officers to tlie Polish forces. Four Polish Air Force officers recently arrived in London and are attached to the Royal Air Force. More are coming, both to the Army ancl the Royal Air Force.