POLES PREPARE

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

POLES PREPARE

STORAGE OF FOOD WATCH IN WARSAW ANGLO-FRENCH REACTION CONSUL ADVISES BRITONS TIME FOR DEPARTURE (Klee. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 23, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 22. A Warsaw message says it is reported there that Poland is not surprised over the plans tor a RussoGerman' pact as more than once it has been pointed out that the Soviet did not desire to involve herself in European affairs. Other countries might have spared! themselves disappointment if they had heeded the Polish views. It is -stated that the Polish programme and policy never envisaged Russian help.

The Polish Ambassador, M. Lipski, arrived in Warsaw at midnight in a special plane from Berlin and immediately conferred with the Polish Foreign Minister, Colonel J. Beck.

The Polish Government, in the early hours, discussed the situation. .

The Polish press has advised the public to store a fortnigiit’s food against emergencies.

The British Consul-General 1 conveyed a message to British citizens in Poland, advising them that while he does not wish to cause alarm, he thinks the situation is- such that they should leave Poland while the communications are -still good unless they have special reasons for staying.

The Warsaw correspondent of the British United Press says that the news shocked Warsaw. The first reaction- was- to wait and see what Britain and' France propose doing. Some express the opinion that it will mean the end of the British-French-Russian talks. Others point out that non-aggression pacts do not affect alliances, and recall that the alliance between Poland and France remained in force despite -the non-aggression pact between Poland and Germany, which Herr Hitler subsequently denounced.

Further Warsaw messages state hat not a single report of antiHerman tendency appears in the Polish press, which gives the impression not only that -no tension exists between Hermany and Poland, but that no question's are at issue between them. The only comment on the RussoHcrman agreement is: “What has become of the Germ, 'no-J apa nese alliance?”

AMERICAN OPINION DUPLICITY OF STALIN EFFECT ON ROOSEVELT tßecd. Aug. 23, 9 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Aug. 21. Official circles were startled by the Germ an-Russian move for a nonaggression pact and express the opinion that it will spur President Roosevelt's drive to amend the Neutrality Act. in favour of England and France.

There is some scepticism as to whether a non-aggression pact will actually be completed. It is felt that the Soviet may be endeavouring to force England and France to meet her demands for an outright military

It is felt in some quarters that the agreement will toe passive and not aggressive, and it is pointed out that

it is merely reiteration because the non-aggression pact signed in 1926 has not been denounced.

The New York Times, in a leading article, says: "If the step were long contemplated, it seems strange that M. Stalin went to such elaborate lengths of duplicity in initiating military staff talks with England and France. It would be stranger, in view of the Russian reserves and suspicions, if the move were a sudden decision. It may still turn out to be grandstand play in the game of playing one side against another, other.

“If it is a real agreement, it is an evenit of the utmost gravity. It is easy to imagine M. Stalin, as he surveys the sharpening struggle between the Fascist and democratic Powers, resolving to let them fight it out. A weakened, perhaps exhausted, Europe would hasten the end of the capitalistic system and offer fertile grounds for the spread of the proletarian revolution. Meanwhile, .the Soviet could turn with assurance eastwards and stiffen her attitude against Japan."

American manufacturers, fearing the outbreak of war, have pushed up the production of aeroplane motors for France to 400 monthly. The neutrality laws would preclude further shipments in event of France becoming involved in war. So far 616 motors have been shipped out of 1345 ordered,