POLAND’S FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1939, Page 6

POLAND’S FORCES

FINAL MOBILISATION DELAYED IN INTERESTS OF PEACE. EVENTS OF PAST FEW DAYS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) RUGBY, September 1. Information now available here throws additional light on the- circumstances in which Poland mobilised her forces. It shows that, up to August 28, Poland was partly but not fully mobilised. On August 28 Poland decided to take further measures. These measures did not amount to a general mobilisation. On August 29 Poland decided on general mobilisation in view of the character of German military measures which had included the military occupation of Slovakia on the previous day. The British and French ambassadors in Warsaw immediately pointed out to Poland that its decision might have serious effects on final efforts which the two governments were making to preserve peace. Poland at once agreed to postpone the posting of general mobilisation notices and to give no publicity to her intention to take such measures. Later, on August 29, a summary of Herr Hitler’s reply to Britain’s communication of August 28 was received and Poland was then informed that Britain could not take the responsibility of advising Poland against any action which it considered necessary for its security. It was evident, therefore, that in order to avoid every appearance of provocation and despite formidable military preparations and concentrations taking place in Germany, the Polish Government delayed until the last possible moment the final steps necessary to put its country in a state of complete readiness for war. Ministerial consultations continued in Downing Street this afternoon. The King visited Downing Street in the afternoon, the purpose of the visit being to save Mr Chamberlain a journey to the Palace to make his report on today’s Cabinet and other developments. The King received a tremendous ovation from a large crowd.