"THIS BOMBSHELL”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 August 1939, Page 6

"THIS BOMBSHELL”

RUSSO=GERMAN PACT COMMENT BY BRITISH PREMIER. SUGGESTION OF DOUBLE PEALING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day. 12.35 p.m.) RUGBY, August 24. In the passages of his speech in the House of Commons devoted to . the “unpleasant surprise” of the Soviet-German Pact, Mr Chamberlain referred to rumours of impending changes in the relations between the Nazi and Soviet Governments which had been in circulation for some time and affirmed that no inkling of any change had been conveyed to either the British or French Governments by the Soviet. “The House may remember.” Mr Chamberlain observed, “that on July 31, I remarked that we had embarked' upon a step that was almost unprecedented in character when we agreed to send our soldiers, sailors and airmen to Russia to discuss military plans together, before we had an assurance that we should be able to reach an agreement on political matters. Moved by M. Molotov's observation that if we could come to a successful conclusion of our military discussions, a political agreement should not present any insurmountable difficulty, we sent a mission. It arrived on August 7 and was received in a friendly lashion and discussions were actually in progress and were proceeding on a basis of mutual trust when this bombshell was flung down. To say the least, it was highly disturbing to learn, while these conversations were proceeding on that basis, that the Soviet was secretly engaged with Germany in other conversations for a purposes which, on the face of it, were inconsistent with the objects of the Soviet’s foreign policy as we had understood it. “I do not propose this afternoon to pass any final judgment upon the incident. That, I think, would be premature until we have had an opportunity of consulting France as to the meaning and consequences of this agreement, the text of which was only published this morning,” MISSIONS DEPARTING PROBABLY BY WAY OF FINLAND. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) MOSCOW, August 24. It is reported that the British and French military missions have obtained their visas and are leaving tomorrow, probably via Finland, in order to avoid Germany. GENERAL RECALL CORRESPONDENTS IN GERMANY. (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, August 24. Foreign correspondents have been recalled from Germany. RUMANIA NEUTRAL DEFENCE OF FRONTIERS AT ALL COSTS. (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) BUCHAREST, August 24. An official statement has been issued that Rumania will defend her national honour and frontiers at all costs, whatever changes in the international scene may yet occur. ceived the Royal Assent. Both Houses of Parliament have adjourned until August 31. Mr Chamberlain requested members to remain in readiness for a further call at the shortest notice, which is most likely. UNITED STAND ASSURANCES BY PARTY LEADERS. MR ANTHONY EDEN'S VIEW. (Received This Day, Noon). LONDON, August 24. Mr A. Greenwood (Acting Labour Leader) said it was hoped that all clouds might yet be dispelled. Unity of resistance to aggression was complete and the issue was being faced with confidence and fortitude. ”1 still hope that there may be influences in Germany becoming powerful enough to respond to the appeal to reason and to realise that if there are legitimate grievances they are not incapable of settlement," Mr Greenwood said. “Britain would not march with an aggressor and lawbreaker. Labour would never acquiesce in further aggression. The peril of war has not come from us. We are not hostile to the German people. for whom war would bo equally disastrous. Victor and vanquished alike would bo crushed in ruins.” Sir A. Sinclair (Liberal Leader) said it was not a time for controversy or recrimination when a thrust, for world domination was threatening British homes and families, and depriving them of the light and blessing of peace.” “It is a time,” he added, "for closing cur ranks.” Mr Anthony Eden said: "The situation is as grave and perilous as any in Britain’s history. The chief danger is Germany's refusal to believe that we are in earnest. If the German people did not believe that Britain and France would support Poland, it would be the gravest error in history.” NAZI COMMENT STATEMENTS SAID TO COME TOO LATE. TALK OF ENCOURAGING POLISH PROVOCATION. (Received This Day, 1 p.m.) BERLIN. August 24. Nazi comment on Mr Chamberlain’s speech says it contains nothing new and that Mr Chamberlain no longer speaks on behalf of a majority of the Great Powers. The statement that Poland is ready to negotiate comes too late. "We can only shake our heads regretfully.” Lord Halifax and Mr Chamberlain have not only shown not the slightest understanding of Gorman rights, but have encouraged Poland to persist in a provocative attitude.