“LAST PHASE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 September 1939, Page 5

“LAST PHASE”

IN POLISH BREAKDOWN

M. MOLOTOV BROADCASTS.

INTENTIONS OF SOVIET STATED,

Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 10.5 a.m.) MOSCOW, September 17. M< Molotov, broadcasting for the first time in his life, said: “The last phase in the breakdown of Poland has gradually assumed a threatening character for the Soviet. Nobody would have imagined that the Polish forces could have been driven back so rapidly. In the situation which has arisen, Russia’s treaties with Poland have ceased to have any significance, because the Polish State has virtually disappeared. “The internal bankruptcy and patent incapability of the Polish State have been demonstrated in the eyents of the past fortnight. Poland has lost all her industrial centres. Warsaw has

ceased to exist as a centre of government and nobody knows where the Government has gone. Such a situation imposes particular concern on the Russian Government. The rapid advance of the German troops has created a new situation in Eastern Europe. The Soviet' Government is willing to help the Polish people to escape from the catastrophe into which they have been plunged through the adventurous and unscrupulous policy of their Government. Polish territory has become a field for any kind of accident or- eventuality. The Soviet has been neutral to the last, but cannot remain neutral in face of this situation, nor can it remain neutral to the fate of the Ukrainian White Russian populations. .Its duty is to extend a fraternal hand of assistance to these people. I therefore have instructed the High Command of the Red Army to march across the frontier and assume the protection of the lives and property of these peoples. ” M. Molotov concluded with an appeal to the Army for rigorous discipline in carrying out its honourable task of emancipation.” NO SHORTAGE OF FOOD. Addressing Russian civilians, M Molotov said: “There has lately become evident a desire to accumulate food and other goods because of a fear of the introduction of ration cards. The Government does not intend this for any goods. Even if the present measures are prolonged, our country is well provided with necessities and can dispense with food rationing. The current problem for Soviet employees, intellectuals and all citizens is to work honestly and self-sacrificingly at their posts, thus rendering support to the Red Army. I am confident the Army will carry out its duty with honour and glory to all citizens. Members of the Army are at present united as never before round the government of a great and wise leader, Stalin, for new and unprecedented success in peaceful labour and Red Army victories.”' NOTE TO POWERS “FREEING THE POLISH PEOPLE FROM WAR.” (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 17. A copy of the Russian Note has now been handed representatives of all nations with which Russia has diplomatic relations. It is largely along the lines of IVI. Molotov’s broadcast and gives notice of the intention of the Red Army to march with the object of freeing the Polish' people from war and giving them an opportunity of beginning a peaceful life. POLISH REPLY COLLAPSE OF GOVERNMENT DENIED. PARIS, September 17. The Polish Embassy denied categorically the implications in M. Molotov's speech and asserted that the Polish Government was still in Polish territory. The Embassy added that the Poles were resisting the Russians at all points. BLOW TO ALLIES MAGNITUDE ADMITTED IN LONDON. (Received This Day, 9.0 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 17. The United Press London office reports: “The Soviet move has caused an overwhelming reaction here. There is no attempt to conceal the magnitude of the blow to the Allies’ cause. Government sources intimated that Cabinet probably would meet late today. Parliament will .be called into session tomorrow. Mr Arthur Greenwood, acting Labour Leader, said: “One thing is certain. Whatever happens, Britain’s pledge to Poland will be honoured. Under the Anglo-Polish agreement, if the Poles formally declare that the Russian advance is an act of aggression, Britain is obliged to aid Poland.”