EUROPEAN SITUATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 March 1939, Page 6

EUROPEAN SITUATION

BRITAIN’S INVITATION TO JOIN A COMMON FRONT. ATTITUDE OF SOVIET RUSSIA. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) < LONDON, March 20. It is understood that Cabinet has considered the Soviet suggestion that Britain call an immediate conference of the foreign ministers of Britain. France, Soviet Russia, Poland and the Balkan States. According tn well-informed circles M. Maisky made the suggestion during the meeting with Lord Halifax at which M. Maisky promised immediately to consult his Government regarding the British invitation to join a common front. Lord Halifax is reported to have asked whether Britain could rely on the full military support of the Soviet. -M. Maisky replied that he was unable to undertake a commitment beyond cur-, rent treaty obligations, but M. Litvinoff was most anxious to discuss the situation. GERMAN TROOPS MOVEMENT IN EAST PRUSSIA. MEMEL MAY BE NEXT. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. ■ (Received This Day,' 11.15 a.m.) PARIS, March 20. Reports of heavy German troop movements in east Prussia strengthen the possibility that Mernel will be next on the list. The Memel Diet will meet on March 25. Dr Neumann is expected to openly demand independence. MEMEL’S FATE, WILL PASS UNDER SWASTIKA. A BERLIN STATEMENT. (Received This Day. 11.15 a.in.) BERLIN, March 20. It is generally accepted that. Memel next Saturday will pass painlessly under the Swastika, but it is indicated that the Lithuania-Danzig corridor at present will not be touched. PLAIN TALK TO GERMANY BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE CLEAR. ANOTHER REPUDIATION BY HITLER. (Received This Day, at noon). LONDON, March .20. In the House of Lords Lord Halifax concluded: “I think we have left Germany with ho doubt, regarding the British attitude, and although I don’t cherish exaggerated*hopes what may be the effect it was abundantly right that such protests should be registered.” Mr Oliver Stahley ahnouhced in the House of Commons that the Government was sending a commercial mission to ’ Rumania. Mr C. R. Butler said that Germany had completed.the fortification of Heligoland, Herr action in this respect being a-repudiation of the Versailles Treaty. CABINET MEETING GERMAN MILITARY LEADERS ATTEND. Eastern fortifications being STRENGTHENED. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) BERLIN, March 20. Military leaders attended a meeting ■of Cabinet, after which Herr Hitler received the Italian Ambassador, Signor Attolico. It is understood that Germany’s eastern fortifications are being further strengthened. WILL SUPPORT BRITAIN. NO DOUBT ABOUT AUSTRALIA. (Received This Day. 11.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Mr J. A. Lyons said that the Federal cabinet would meet in Melbourne . today, also that Mr Stanley Bruce had delayed his departure for London in order to be available for consultation. Mr Lyons added that there could be no doubt about'Australia’s support for Britain. OCCUPATION OF RUTHENIA OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT, NO RELIGIOUS DISTINCTION. By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright (Received This Day, at Noon.) BUDAPEST, March 20. It is officially announced that the occupation of Ruthenia has been completed and it is declared that Hungarians and Carpatho-Ukrainians henceforth will have equal status as free citizens. There will be no discrimination religiously. Ruthenians are not likely to be placed under a minority status. UNABLE TO GO TO PRAGUE. OFFICIALS AND SOLDIERS HELD UP. (Received This Day, at Noon.) BUDAPEST. March 20. Some 2000 Czech officials and soldiers are held up at Christ and are unable Io go to Prague. The Ruthenian Free Corps leader, Demetrius Klampus, is reported to have been killed in an ambusn.