WILD REJOICING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 March 1939, Page 7

WILD REJOICING

HOW NEWS WAS RECEIVED IN CITY DELEGATION GOING TO BERLIN. GREAT JUBILATION IN NAZI PRESS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, March 22. Memel received the news of the annexation by Germany by radio.’ It caused tremendous enthusiasm among the German population and swastika flags appeared in most of the windows. Thousands surged into the streets shouting “Heil Hitler.” Church bells pealed and ships sounded their sirens. It is officially announced that a delegation is going to Berlin immediately to work out details of the transfer.

In Germany an officially-inspired notice in the Nazi organ “Voelkischer Eeobachter” and in the “Angriff” says: “In the midst of Britain’s furious agitation against Germany the news that the Memelland was free came as a bombshell. A single cry of jubilation passes all over Germany. We are living in a time of liberation, and our hearts are overflowing with pride.”

THE ONLY WARSHIP LITHUANIAN MINESWEEPER GOES TO TILSIT. DELEGATION AT BERLIN. (Received This Day. 10.37 a.m.) BERLIN. March 22. The Lithuanian delegation has arrived by air. Lithuania's only warship, the Presidentas Smetona, a minesweeper, which was handed over from Germany at the end of the Great War has left Memel harbour for Tilsit. GERMANS UNDER ARMS. TOTAL OF ABOUT 700,000. (Independent Cable Service.) ' LONDON, March 22. The "Daily Express” understands that Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador in Berlin, informed Lord Halifax that Herr Hitler has about 700.000 men under arms. MEMEL CONVENTION SIGNATORIES NOT GUARANTORS. VIEW IN OFFICIAL QUARTERS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, March 22. Official quarters point out that the signatories to the 1924 Memel Convention are not guarantors and there is no obligation in the covenant providing for help in a case of aggression. One clause lays down that the four signatories must be consulted before a change is made in the status of Memel but thus far neither Germany nor Lithuania had informed Britain regarding any measures they were taking.