SOVIET AIMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 September 1939, Page 5

SOVIET AIMS

MISTRUST OF GERMANY INDICATED VIEWS OF AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT. NO CHANGE IN CARDINAL FACTORS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, September 18. The Moscow . correspondent of the “New York Times” says: “It is not necessary for Russia to swell her army by a million and a half reservists merely to seize the Polish Ukraine. The belief that Germany was uncomfortably surprised by the Russian mobilisation does not square with the theory that everything was arranged during Herr von' Ribbentrop’s visit to Moscow. “Russia felt free to move only after the conclusion of the armistice with Japan. The move was inspired by complete distrust of Germany and the fear of complications should the Nazis reach the Soviet border. The sooner the Polish tragedy is ended, the sooner the Nazis will be transferred to the west and cease to menace the Soviet. “The invasion has not succeeded in shaking the feeling that the two cardinal factors are unchanged—Russia’s I desire to avoid participation in a major conflict and her fear and distrust of Germany.” A Reuter’s report from Moscow, broadcast from Daventry last night, said that Russia planned to leave Silesia, the Corridor, and Danzig to Germany; but to retain the Polish Ukraine and create a Polish buffer State between Russia and Germany. • It was announced that the Soviet Government had not broadcast any details of the invasion, which, however, had been approved by the people, and Soviet troops were being warmly greeted by their blood brothers in Poland. It was expected that the German and Soviet troops would meet at Brest Litovsk, where the Germans and the Russians made peace in 1917. The Germans claim that they have taken Brest Litovsk. A later Daventry message stated that it was not clear how far the Russian troops which had crossed the frontier 24 hours previously had penetrated into Poland, but a Reuter’s message from Riga advised that they had reached Vilna, 90 miles from the Soviet-Polish border.

GERMAN APPROVAL LONDON, September 18. The German news agency issued a communique saying: ‘'This Soviet measure does not affect in any way Russian neutrality in the present conflict. The Soviet Government is endeavouring to re-establish in Eastern Poland order and peace- which are no longer guaranteed as a result of the defection of the former Polish State and the flight of the Polish Government.” The spokesman of the Propaganda Ministry in Berlin stated that the Russian action had Germany’s full approval. POPE HORRIFIED ATTITUDE OF- NEUTRALITY MAINTAINED. •NEW YORK, September 17. The Vatican City correspondent of the “New York Times” says the Russian invasion has dismayed the Holy See. His Holiness is said to be horrified. Nevertheless there is no reason to believe at present that the Vatican will abandon its attitude of strict neutrality, at least toward Germany. The Pope has demonstrated that he feels he can help the Church and humanity best by remaining aloof from the political aspects of the war. but the Russian action is a most bitter blow to his hopes and plans. HAILED AS LIBERATORS RUSSIANS IN THE UKRAINE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (■Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) MOSCOW. 'September 18. Radio reports state that Russian troops are being deliriously welcomed by their relations in White Russia and the Ukraine, civilians greeting the soldiers with flowers. Political commissars have begun organising meetings in order to tell the people what a wonderful life Soviet citizens enjoy. The troops everywhere are hailed as I liberators by the poverty-stricken people. - |