GUNS OF POLES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20033, 4 September 1939, Page 7

GUNS OF POLES

ARTILLERY SPEAKS GERMAN FRONTIER POST VERSION FROM BERLIN NEW STATUS OF DANZIG (Elue. Tel. Copyright— United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 2, 1.45 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 1. A Berlin message quotes a statement by lite German official news agency alleging that Polish artillery opened lire at 11.30 a.m. on the small German frontier station of Bcuthen. Five or six shells exploded without damage. The fighting continues in the Danzig zone. The Germans occupied the railway offices, but the Poles are holding out in the post office, which is barricaded and equipped with modern weapons.

Marshal Goering issued a proclamation to the German air force staling: “The great hour has come The 'Fuehrer has called. No longer can. the German nation look on inactively. Every further delay would be disastrous.” ' The Chief of the German Naval "Staff, Admiral Rneder, similarly exhorted the navy to fight to the last. A further Berlin message says that the German News Agency reports that Dr. Karl Burckhardt, the LeagueCommissioner of Danzig, has gone to East Prussia. The administration of the mixed harbour commission has been placed in the hands of the Germans. The agency adds that the transfer of Danzig to Germany was conveyed bv diplomatic representatives there, who “will be given every protection.” The Reichstag unanimously accepted a law for the incorporation of Danzig in the Reich. Herr Hitler announced in the Reichstag that "Danzig belongs to Germany. SWISS MOB!LISATION (Reed. Sept. 2. 2.30 p.m.) BERNE, Sept. 1. A general mobilisation of Swiss forces has been ordered lor tomorrow.

been put before the Poles, who should have been given time to consider them and say whether, in their opinion, they did or did not infringe- those vital interests of Poland which Germany hao assured us on the previous occasion she intended to respect. “Only last night the Polish Ambassador did sec Herr Von Ribbontrop. Once again he expressed to him what, indeed, the Polish Government had already said publicly that they were willing to negotiate with Germany about the disputes on an equal basis. What was the reply .of the German Government? The reply was that, without another word, German troops crossed the Polish frontier this morning at dawn, and are since reported to be bombing open towns. In these circumstances, there is only one course open to us. “We took further steps towards the completion of our defensive preparations. This morning we ordered the complete mobilisation of the whole navy, army and air force. We also have taken a number of other measures, both at Home and abroad, which the House will not perhaps expect me to specify in detail. Briefly, they represent the final steps in accordance with prearranged plans. These last can be put into force rapidly, and are of such a nature that they can be deferred until war seems inevitable. “Steps have also been taken under the powers conferred by the House last week to safeguard the position in regard to stocks of commodities of various kinds. Comparison with 1814 "The thoughts of many of us must, at this moment, inevitably be turning back to 1914 and to a comparison of our position now with that which existed then. How do we stand this time? “The answer is that all three services are ready and the situation in all directions is far more favourable and reassuring . than in 1914, while behind the lighting services we have built up a vast organisation of civil defence under our scheme Of air raid precaution. “As regards immediate manpower requirements, the navy, army and air force are in the fortunate position of having almost as many men as they can conveniently handle at this moment. There are, however, certain categories of the service in which men are immediately required for both military and civil defence. These would be announced in detail through the press and the British Broadcasting Company. “The main and most satisfactory point to observe is that there to-day is no need <o make an appeal m a general way for recruits such as was issued by Lord Kitchener 25 years ago. That appeal lias been anticipated by many months and men alrcadv are available.

Organising Resources “So much for the immediate present. Now wo must look to the future. It is essential in face ol the tremendous task confronting us, more especially in view of our past experiences in this matter, to organise our man power this time upon as methodical and equitable and economical a basis as is possible. “Wo, therefore, propose to introduce legislation directed to that end. A bill will be laid before you which, for all practical purposes, will amount to an expansion of the Military Training Act. Under its operation all (it men be 1 ween the ages of 13 and 41 years will be rendered liable to military service if and when called upon.

“It is not intended at the outset that any considerable number of men other limn those already liable shall be called up and steps would be taken to ensure that man power essentially required by industry shall not be taken away.

“There is one other allusion which 1 1 should like to make before I end my I speech and that is to record my satisfaction and the Government’s .satisfaction that throughout these last days lof crisis, Signor Mussolini has been (doing bis best to reach a solution. It now only remains for us to set our teeth and enter upon this struggle, which we ourselves earnestly have endeavoured to avoid with determina- , tion to see it through to the end.”