NO PROVOCATION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20032, 2 September 1939, Page 5

NO PROVOCATION

POLAND DEFENDED MOBILISATION DELAYED WESTERN POWERS’ ADVICE EFFECTS ON NEGOTIATIONS BRITAIN’S FINAL RELEASE (Elec."Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 1. Information now available in London throws additional light on the circumstances in which Poland mobilised her forces. It shows that up to August 28, Poland was partly, but hot fully, mobilised. On that date, Poland decided to take further measures. These measures did not amount to a general mobilisation. On August 29, Poland decided on general mobilisation, in view of the character of the German military measures, which had included the military occupation of Slovakia on the previous day.

The British and French Ambassadors at Warsaw immediately pointed out to Poland that its decision might have serious effects on the final efforts which their two Governments were making to preserve peace. Poland at once agreed to postpone the posting of general mabilisation notices, and to give no publicity to the intention to take such measures.

Later on August 29, a summary of Herr Hitler’s reply to Britain’s communication of the previous day was received, and Poland was then informed that Britain could not take the responsibility of advising Poland against any action which it considered necessary for its security.

It Ls evldenf, therefore, that in order to avoid every appearance of provocation, and despite the formidable military preparations and concentrations taking place in Germany, the Polish Government delayed, until the last possible moment, the final steps necessary to put' its country in a state of complete readiness for war.

(Britain does not recognise either the validity of the grounds on which the action of the Danzig authorities in proclaiming the incorporation of Danzig in the Reich is based, or the validity of the action itself.

Herr Foerster was made head of the State by a decree of the Senate of Danzig on August 23. This decree was contrary to the Constitution of Danzig. Concurrently, the rights secured to Poland in Danzig, by the Versailles Treaty, were continuously and progressively violated, and there was interference with Polish property and Polish interests in Danzig.

Poland protested against these various measures, but in order to avoid provocation, and any increase in tension, she took no forcible action to protect her interests. This morning, Herr Foerster, in his capacity as head of the State, decreed the incorporation of Danzig in the Reich, and asked Herr Hitler to carry out this re-incorporation by 'law of the German Reich.

The international status of Danzig, as a Free City, is established by the Treaty of Versailles, of which Britain was a signatory, and the Free City was placed under the protection of the League of Nations. The rights given Poland in Danzig by the treaty are defined and confirmed by agreements concluded between Danzig and Poland. This morning’s action represents a final step in unilateral repudiation of these international instruments, which according to their terms were only modifiable by negotiation.