German Friction in Poland

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 307, 29 December 1939, Page 7

German Friction in Poland

ARMY AND GESTAPO AT > LOGGERHEADS (British Official Wireless.) Received Thursday, 9.20 p.m. RUGBY, Dec. 27. Reports of conditions in Polish territory in German occupation—other than the official Nazi version of events —are not easy to come by, but tho most recent intelligence received in London through reliable channels affords striking evidence of the growing jealousy bci'\ecu the Army an I the Gestapo. The Army itnents the increasing authority ]

given to the Gestapo and there is obviously a lack of co-ordination between them. Undoubtedly Polish patriots derive much encouragement from this stato of affairs, which strenthens their determination to resist and fortifies their confidence in the ultimate victory of the Allies. Thus Germany is obliged to maintain large armed forces in the occupied territory to prevent major risings as much as to deal with the guerilla operations of Polish bands still hiding in the forests. According to information in which considerable confidence may bo placed, iho Gestapo, wherever their authority is supreme, confiscates all real estate as well as commercial and industrial underlings belonging to the Poles. The proprietors are put into concentration camp? or deported to Germany. It is believed that in four provinces alone 15,000 have been shot, including many priests and women. Something resemblance a systematic and ruthless extermination of the natural or potential leaders among the Poles would appear to be in progress. The arrest early in November and their deportation to Germany of all but three professors of the Jagellonian University of Cracow is sufficient evidence in this connection.