PENDING PACT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20023, 23 August 1939, Page 5

PENDING PACT

NAZI GERMANY NON-AGGRESSION TRADE TREATY SEQUEL OMINOUS DANZIG HINT POSSIBLE ULTIMATUM BOAST BY FOERSTER (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 23, 12 noon). LONDON, Aug. 22. Following yesterday's declaration in Berlin, the official Tass Agency in Moscow to-day announced that the German Foreign Minister, Herr Von Rihbentrop, would arrive in Moscow in a few days to negotiate a RussianGerman non-aggression pact. The official Moscow announcement confirmed the intention of Russia and Germany to conclude a non-aggression pact.

The Tass Agency says that after the conclusion of the trade agreement between Russia and Germany, the problem of improving political rela-

tions arose. An exchange of views on this question established that both Governments desired to relieve the mutual political tension, eliminate the war menace and conclude a nonaggression pact.

Herr Von Rihbentrop, accompanied by Dr. Gaus and an interpreter stays overnight at Koenigsberg and is to arrive at Moscow on Wednesday, states a further Berlin message. It is explained that Russia and Germany with each maintain their political philosophy, but have agreed to adjust their political relations.

It is hinted in Danzig that directly the Russo-German pact is signed, Germany will present Poland with a 24-hour ultimatum.

German Jurists Addressed

Addressing the German jurists, who are meeting in Danzig, the Nazi leader, Herr Foerster, said: “You will be able to say that you were the last body to meet in the so-called ,Free City, which is nearing its end.”

Herr Foerster was in excellent spirits.

Dr. Hans Frank, the president of the Academy for German Justice, addressing the Jurists said that Herr Hitler, by bringing Danzig to the Reich, would lay a basis for a legal community of peaceful nations and would avert the danger of a war destroying Europe’s culture. The Allied and associated Powers which established Danzig no longer existed.

The Danzig correspondent of the British United Press says that leading Nazis declared the pact would undoubtedly hasten the realisation of Danzig’s demand to join the Reich. It would also greatly lessen the possibilities of war arising out of a solution of Danzig problems.

Amid the general surprise created by the announcement of an agreement for a non-aggression pact between Russia and Germany, ,it emerges from German semi-official circles that its speedy conclusion has already removed the long-exist-ing tension between Russia and Germany.

The impending pact will doubtless help to clear the international political atmosphere to the extent making the “encirclement” Powers more cautious in their policy towards Germany.

Preliminary Negotiations

The preliminary negotiations between Berlin and Moscow ran concurrently with the British ahd French negotiations with Russia. German circles are most Optimistic regarding the European reaction to the pact. They regard the pact as a double blow to Britain’s attempt to enlist Russia in the British and French “encirclement” policy.

The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that diplomatic observers describe Herr Hitler’s turning to Communist Russia for friendship as one of the most dramatic acts in his career. It is interpreted as meaning that Herr Hitler will allow nothing, not even ideological differences, to stand in the way of the policy he considers it is necessary to pursue to increase Greater Germany’s power and strength.

The Berlin correspondent of the British United Press says that the news spread like wildfire throughout the city, creating the greatest satisfaction everywhere.

One comment was as follows: “Poland is now trapped. The entire Polish question will prove another German walkover similar to Czechoslovakia.” It is pointed out that Germany will have non-aggression pacds with all of Poland’s neighbours!' ,this‘ meaning that no one would oppose her if she decided to strike Poland.