BAN ON FORCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20056, 30 September 1939, Page 5

BAN ON FORCE

ALLIED STAND VIEW UNCHANGED ' LIBERTY pF NATIONS RIGHT TO INDEPENDENCE ANGLO-FRENCH ACCORD POSITION ALREADY FACED (Elce. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British o'Tie is I Wireless.) Reed. Noon. RUGBY, Sept. 29. Communications from Moscow and .Berlin on the conclusion of the conversations, at Moscow between the Soviet Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, M. Molotov and the German Foreign Minister, Herr Von Ribbentrop, were reproduced in the evening newspapers and in the absence of more authoritative news these reports are being studied in tiie appropriate departments in London.

The communiques do not appear to contemplate a buffer State, but rather to indicate a single line of demarcation between Russia and Germany, but in the absence iff the map referred to in the message from Berlin which it is staged indicates this line there is naturally much reserve in authoritative quarters in offering any observations in regard to the matter. It, however, is assumed that full consideration will be given by the Cabinet to the terms of the reported agreement and that there will be close consultation with the French Government on the subject. Meanwhile there is little likelihood of a Government statement.

Situation Not Changed

It, however, is well to recall that the possibility of such an agreement has .been implicit in the situation ever since the signature of the GermanRussian non-aggression pact and the general situation contemplated when the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, made his recent statement in Parliament is in no way changed in consequence of the Moscow developments. Speaking in the House of Commons last week, Mr. Chamberlain in defining the British attitude, said: “Our general purpose is well known. It. i.s to redeem Europe from the perpetual and recurring Tear of German aggression and to enable the people of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties.”

These words were repeated in a formal official statement following upon the speech of Signor Mussolini on Sunday last. What has now occurred, or may occur, is not likely to change this attitude. The situation is in all essentials precisely the same as the Allies have been facing since the war began.

The emergence from the Ribben-trop-Molotov Moscow talks of the pact to divide Poland between Russia and Germany and the announcement that, failing the success of efforts to end the war in the west, there would be further German and Russian co-operation is regarded by newspapers both in London and Paris as importing into the situation no problem that has not already been faced. Nevertheless the tone of the terms of the joint German-Russian declaration is regarded as further evidence of the extent of deterioration in the standards of international conduct and as emphasising the necessity for a firm stand against method? which cynically sacrifice the independence of small States.

APPEAL TO MOSLEMS ASSISTANCE FOR ALLIES AGA KHAN’S MESSAGE (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 11 a.m. RUGBY, Sent. 29. The Aga Kahn has issued the following message to his followers: — ‘‘To all my brothers in India and other {British Dominions to-|day: A cruel war has been imposed and it is our duty to co-operate with heart and soul for the success of His Majesty ‘he King Emperor. Such sincere and complete co-operation is also the best service to Islam.

‘T beg my brothers in Islam to realise alike that our secular duty and our best way of serving Moslem interests is by completely loyal cooperation with Britain. Both my grown-up son and myself have placed all our personal services at the Viceroy's disposal.”

DEFENCES OF HOLLAND PREPARATION OF CANALS FLOODING IF NECESSARY (Rood. Sept. 30, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 28. Reuter’s correspondent at Paris says that Holland has raised the level of the water in the canals at all strategic points, with a view to eliminating delay should defensive flooding of the countryside become necessary.

All roads from Germany have been provided with anti-tank defences and the have been removed for many miles from the frontier.