EYES ON MOSCOW

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20024, 24 August 1939, Page 5

EYES ON MOSCOW

WORLD WATCH ELATION OF GERMANS PARTITION PREDICTED THREAT OP MARCH ARMY OP NAZIS READY. (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed Aug. 24, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 23.

Germany's elation grows as the world, after a troubled night, to-day turned its eyes toward Moscow, where Herr von Ribbentrop was expected early. It was confidently expected that the pact would be signed within a matter of hours, after which Germany’s next and decisive move might follow any minute.

Herr von Ribbentrop arrived at Moscow at 1 p.m. local time, and was to see the Soviet Foreign Minister, M. Molotov, at 3 p.m. There is now no doubt that the German army is ready to march at a moment’s notice. The German press significantly does not mention the British Cabinet’s statement. Officials, however, appear surprised at the statement's firmness, but profess a continued belief that neither Britain nor France would fight. The same quarters assert categorically that the "Versailles Poland is dead” and predict a fourth partition. They have openly threatened l that Germany will march to Warsaw and beyond unless a settlement on the Czechoslovakian lines is forthcoming. Speedy End Expected

Even if the worst comes to the worst the average German is convinced it would 1 be all over in four or five days. Ilis viewpoint coincides with the Boersen Zeitung headlines, which state: “London Puzzled and Afraid —Recognition of Defeat.” The German press has made the Germans believe that Russia would now stand shoulder to shoulder with Germany and actually join in grab-, bing Polish territory. Alongside stories of Poland’s “bestial treatment of Germans" the German newspapers unanimously declare that Germany has resumed Bismark’s foreign policy of friendship with Russia, which Wilhelm imprudently destroyed. Marshal Goering’s National Zeitung ominously declares that Herr von Ribbentrop’s discussions in Moscow will deaL with the division of mutual spheres of influence, which is accepted as proof that the partition of Poland is planned. The Lokal Anzeiger says: "Poland is now completely subordinated and will have to accept whatever Russia and Germany dictate.”

Moscow reports state that the Russian public is entirely ignorant of the boiling up of the European cauldron. The Soviet press does not mention Herr Von Ribbentrop’s visit, the recall of the British Parliament or general fears of war.