CRISIS IN EUROPE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20026, 26 August 1939, Page 5

CRISIS IN EUROPE

British Envoy Sees Hitler MOVES BY MOLOTOV BELIEVED Germany Thought Close To Action DISQUIETING RUMOURS FROM BERLIN New Russo-German Subjection of Poland * i - " • (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United (Press Assn.) (Reccl. August 26, 11 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 25. The British Ambassador to Germany, Sir Nevilc Henderson, is flying to London to report on a conversation with HenHitler. An earlier message stated that it had been learned that Sir Neville Henderson called on the Fuehrer at HenHitler’s own request, but the meeting has not yet been officially confirmed. The Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, and the Polish Ambassador signed an agreement of mutual assistance between the United Kingdom and Poland. The pact consists of eight .clauses, making effective the provisional agreement reached during the recent visit to London of the Polish Foreign Ministei* Colonel J. Beck.

' The Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, was at his desk at 7 a.m. .to-day after a few hours of sleep. Mr. Anthony Eden was one of the first callers. Then came Viscount Halifax and Lord Cadogan.

The Berlin representative of the Associated Press of Great Britain says that sources close to Marshal Goering declare that the Soviet Foreign Minister, M. Molotov, has already embarked on efforts to induce Poland to agree to an eleventhhour solution. It is reported that because of this Herr Hitler withheld his hand at a moment when everyone expected an invasion. An indication of how close Germany was to action last night is provided in the revelation that every radio station suddenly switched on to an identical programme, which is done only when the most important pronouncements are imminent.

Herr Hitler is reported to be in high spirits and to be at present putting the finishing touches on his Tannenbergspeech. It is believed in some circles that he will state a case on Sunday and act on Monday, but others consider he may issue an ultimatum clearing'up the situation at the party congress and there is just a chance he may announce a peace offer necessitating radical changes throughout the world.

German commercial vessels have been ordered to remain in- harbours, but there is hope in Berlin that no definite action will be taken before Monday.

i A Berlin message says that a report from a reliable source which, however, must be treated with reserve, is that Germany and Russia agreed to partition a big slice of Poland, with Russia taking in, some of the eastern districts and Germany securing the Polish Corridor, Danzig and West Silesia. If Rumania did not remain neutral. Russia would occupy Bessarabia. The remainder of Poland would form a sort of protectorate under Russo-German direction.

An Independent Cable Service message from Munich states that the public there is confident there will be no European war. although there are fears of minor trouble over Poland.

Airliners are crammed with Britons returning from the Continent. Those coming from Germany are optimistic and say that nothing will happen until Poland starts shooting.