DRASTIC STEPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20025, 25 August 1939, Page 5

DRASTIC STEPS

NEED IN BRITAIN CHAMBERLAIN SPEAKS TENSION ON CONTINENT ATTITUDES CONTRASTED GERMANY AND POLAND (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 24. Opening his statement in the House of Commons on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, said that when the House adjourned earlier this month there was no expectation that it would be sum-

moned again to take the drastic steps now required to deal with the situation.

Proceeding to deal with the Polish position, Mr. Chamberlain said one could not help being struck by the similarity between the German stories of Polish atrocities and the similar allegations afiout Czechoslovakia last year. He drew a contrast between the German attitude and the calm • and restrained demeanour of Polish statesmen.

After referring to the manner in which the Russo-German pact had been negotiated, while conversations with Britain were proceeding, the Prime Minister said he would not pass final judgment on the pact until there had been an opportunity of consulting with France.

The pact had been hailed in Berlin as a great diplomatic victory, and it was said that Britain and France were no longer likely to fulfil their obligations to Poland. His first duty was to remove that illusion. The guarantee was given to Poland before there were any negotiations for an agreement with Russia, and was not in any way dependent on it.

“How can we with honour go back on an undertaking so often repeated?" said Mr. Chamberlain. “Our first duty is to make it clear that our relations with Poland and other countries are not affected.”

No Menace to Germany

Turning again to the German attitude, Mr. Chamberlain said nothing had been done to menace the legitimate interests of Germany. In view of the German attitude, the British Government had determined to leave no room lor possible misunderstanding, and Sir Nevile Henderson had been sent to Herr Hitler with a message from himself. In this it was stated that war between the two countries would be the greatest possible calamity. With that in mind, he informed Herr Hitler there was nothing arising from the Polish situation which could not and should not be resolved without war.

The reply was a restatement of the thesis that Eastern Europe was a sphere of influence in which Germany should have a free hand. Mr. Chamberlain said that, the Germans ajt the beginning of the week began to mov e troops to the P'olish frontier and it became apparent that a crisis of the first magnitude was approaching. Therefore it was necessary to seek emergency powers.

The British and French military missions were received in the friendliest manner and the Moscow discussions were progressing on the basis of mutual trust. When the bombshell of the Russo-German non-aggression pact was flung down, it came as i mbst unpleasant surprise. There were rumours of an impending change in the German-Russian relations, but no inkling had been conveyed by the Soviet. Referring to the increase in the bank rate, Mr. Chamberlain said this was a normal protective measure to protect the resources in a period of uncertainty. The public could best co-operate by decreasing the demands on foreign exchange and by' not sending capital out of the country. In view of Berlin’s attitude the Government felt its duty not to leave any possible loophole for misunderstanding. Therefore a message was sent to Herr Hitler restating Britain’s position. War between the two countries would be one of the greatest calamities that could occur, said Mr. Chamberlain.