CALM IN LONDON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20026, 26 August 1939, Page 7

CALM IN LONDON

GRIM DESPATCHES

TENSION IN CAPITALS POSSIBILITY OF CLASH WOULD SHOCK GERMANS ANXIETY IN WARSAW 7 (Elec. Tfl. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Recci. Aug. 25, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 24. A survey of opinions in the European capitals shows that London is calm, despite the ominous reports which are flooding in from the Continent. The Berlin correspondent of The Times says, that Britons are leaving Germany, yet there is general confidence in Germany that there will be no war. If war does come the moral shock will bo tremendous. The German public is completely unprepared for it and is unable to grasp any reason why France and Britain should fight. Tiie Berlin streets are normal and there are no signs that Germany is on the verge of a world crisis. The Budapest correspondent of The Times says that all are confident that Hungary will be able to .stand out of a conflict, which would be all the easier if Roumania stands by yesterday’s neutrality declaration. Hungary, in the event of war, will close the Polish border, but would' supply Germany with food stuffs and take normal precautions. A Bucharest message says that an official statement issued to-day was that Rumania would defend her national honour and frontiers at all costs, whatever changes iei the international scene may yet occur.

A Stockholm message states that the wives and children of members of the Swedish Legation and the Swedish colony in Warsaw have been sent 'back to Sweden.

The Rome correspondent of The Times says that although Rome appears calm, reports from the country show that normal precautions are being carried out. Motor lorries have been commandeered and several ships detained at ports. In Romo there are still hopes that war may be avoided. In Paris complete calm prevails. Street lamps were darkened to-night. Gradual mobilisation of the French Army is continuing. The Government has ordered the requisitioning of all factories working .for national defence.

At Brussels an emergency meeting of the Belgian Cabinet decided on special measures to assure the supply of provisions. Soldiers were recalled from leave and the frontiers are manned. t

The Warsaw correspondent oC The Times says that the imminence of war has caused public anxiety in Poland, but no excitement. It is understood that the German troops concentrated on the frontiers are unlikely to be fully in position for an attack for at least 24 hours. It is estimated that 500.000 men have been called to the , colours in Poland. Horses and cars have been requisitioned. Several columns of 'unarmed reservists, in mufti and fitted with gas masks, marched through Warsaw singing patriotic songs and shouting: "Long live a free Poland.” All civil servants have 'been ordered to return to duty. The Polish War Office denies that Danzig 'is surrounded by a large Polish force. Though the Polish frontier defences are manned, there is no general mobilisation. The Soviet press continues to ignore the threat of war and is concentrating on the German-Soviet pact. The British United Press Berlin representative says that the British' and French Embassies are destroying confidential papers. Piles of luggage are stacked in the halls of the embassies and consulates.