IMPORT OF PACT

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

IMPORT OF PACT

MANNING OF FRONTIERS “DUPLICITY” ATTACKED CONDUCT OF RUSSIA OPENING! TO AGGRESSION \ (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reccl. Aug. 24, 11 a.m.) PARIS, Aug. 23. The French press, while acknowledging the tremendous set-back, gives the opinion that the real import of the Russo-German agreement remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome it is re-emphasised that Britain and France will stand firm. Many papers violently attack Russia’s “duplicity” which they fear has made German aggression a matter of days and not of weeks. It is suggested that Russia is attempting to create a new European alignment, enabling her to exert her own guidance in the future balance of power.

Le Matin writes: “The only thing now inevitable is that Britain and France should allow themselves to be perpetually duped and betrayed and allow themselves to be made ridiculous in the eves of the world.”

France sent thousands of reservists to the frontiers overnight. The Government is anxiously awaiting the report from the French Ambassador to Russia, M. Naggiar. on which will depend the decision whether to break off the Moscow talks.

The Frencn President, M. Lebrun is to preside at a council of Ministers to be held at 10 a.m. to-morrow. It is expected that new decrees will enable further military measures.