SHADOW OF WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 August 1939, Page 5

SHADOW OF WAR

TIME OF TENSE ANXIETY IN EUROPE Russo-German Pact Signed REGARDED AS GIVING REICH FREE HAND MORE PRESS TIRADES AGAINST POLAND (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, August 24. This morning' Europe stands in the shadow of war. Everyone expected that the pact between Russia and Germany would be signed, but scarcely anyone thought it would give Germany a completely free hand with Russia in the role of a friendly spectator. There is every indication that the next 48 hours will be decisive. The pause before a final blow might even be shorter. The early morning announcement of the signing of the pact completely surprised the capitals, and for this reason Press comment is almost entirely lacking. One grave fact stands out. As Herr Hitler awaits Herr von Ribbentrop at Berchtesgaden, the German army stands at arms. Ihe dangei that it might receive orders to march increases hourly. Mobilisation parties toured the Rhineland all night, calling out reservists from their beds and from cafes and theatres, and peremptorily requisitioning lorries and cars, which many youngsters without military training are forced to drive. Observers have not overlooked the importance of Dr. Goebbells’ arrival at Berchtesgaden. He helps Herr Hitler to frame his vital proclamations, and usually broadcasts them over the air on behalf of the Fuehrer. Equipment is moving east hourly from Berlin, where anti-aircraft guns have reappered on the tops of buildings and air-raid precautions are being perfected. Although the Berlin newspapers do not comment on the Aloscow pact they direct further tirades against Poland, typical of which is the “Boersen Zeitung’s” conclusion that “the time has now arrived to strike the knife from the hand of the crazed Polish maniac.”