AIMS OF NAZIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 5

AIMS OF NAZIS

DANZIG FUTURE SIX POINTS SUGGESTED END OF LEAGUE SWAY POLAND’S COUNTER PLAN CESSION OF AREAS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—TJnitol Press Assn.) ißecd Aug. 15, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 14. Messages from Paris state that the only certainty emerging from the Berchtesgaden reports is that, the discussions between Herr Hitler and the Italian Foreign Minister, Count Ciano, covered more than the question of Danzig..

Field Marshal Goering’s National Zeitung concludes a bitter attack on the Poles with the words: “Poland is a standing danger to European peace and a misfortune for its inhabitants.”

The most sensational of all the many rumours current in Paris is that Herr Hitler is to speak to the nation on Tuesday and that the German Army will march immediately after, but the plain truth is that nobody has the slightest inkling of Herr Hitler’s immediate intentions. The London morning papers similarly contain a fine crop of rumours and counter rumours.

The Daily Mail publishes a story that Signor Mussolini submitted a European peace plan to Herr Hitler embracing economic and colonial problems with plebiscites for the areas affected. “Six-Point Plan”.

The Manchester Guardian refers to a “six-point plan” emanating from German sources.

The plan quoted is given as follows: —

(1) The liquidation of the authority Of the League of Nations in Danzig.

(2) Poland to retain only a consulate representation in Danzig to deal with economic interests.

(3) The Nazifieation of the Danzig Government.

(4) Liquidation of the GermanDanzig customs frontier within five years.

(5) Agreement to demilitarise Danzig on the condition that Poland liquidates her munitibns depot at Westerplatte. (6) A mixed body of German, Poles and Danzigers to administer the harbour board. Polish Counter Proposals

The Polish Government’s counter proposals are allegedly:— (1) The permanent cession to Poland of all West Danzig, including Zoppot. (2) The cession to Germany of East Danzig, including Westerplatte. (3) A special harbour board with supreme authority to administer a Polish and German condominium. (4) The regulation of the southern frontier on ethnographical principles. Official circles in Warsal, however, deny knowledge of any Axis compromise plan. It is officially announced in Berlin that the commissioner in Danzig, Herr Burclchardt, saw Herr Hitler at Berchtesgaden on Friday. It transpires that Herr Burckhardt informed Viscount Halifax of the invitation to Berchtesgaden but at present has not revealed the result. Talks of London Visit The Berlin correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that a Nazi source with access to high quarters hints that Herr Burckhardt will shortly visit London on a secret mission. It is assumed that this would be in connection with a plan to settle the Danzig problem and that it is regarded by the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel J. Beck, and the Nazi leader in Danzig. Herr Foerster, as offering possibilities of providing a basis of discussion.

The Berlin paper Diploma tiche Korrespondenz declares that attempts to sabotage the Salzburg talks by alleging that plans were discussed to divide Europe will not succeed in diverting Germany from the need to settle the Danzig problem, which is not only a demand of peace, but a test of the willingness of others to take steps for peace. A section of the French press credits Signor Mussolini with proposing a five-Power conference, including Poland, but elbowing Russia out in the cold. Widespread speculation is rife in Paris, concerning the ItaloGerman talks, which are called the “Salzburg mystery.” The rumours of a six-point plan for Danzig are treated with reserve and are regarded in the nature of a German trial balloon. Generally it is considered in Pans that the German solidarity is not so ■emenced as the press makes out.