NAZI DESIGNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 September 1939, Page 5

NAZI DESIGNS

TWOFOLD OFFENSIVE IN PROSPECT THREATS & CAJOLINGS. PROBLEMS FOR GERMAN STAFF. (Independent Cable Service.) LONDON, September 19. Well-informed quarters in London believe that Herr Hitler will shortly launch a two-fold offensive of threats and cajolings, first against neutral States in order to offset the British blockade, and secondly against the British and French peoples in the hope of forcing London and Paris to agree to Nazi peace terms. It is becoming plainer that Britain will not fall into the trap of declaring war on Russia but will confine her action to a strong protest and allow Herr Hitler to worry about the Soviet advance. The threat of the German mechanised forces being transferred to the Rhine from Poland is believed to be greatest for Holland and Belgium, but when Herr Hitler’s peace proposals fail the German General Staff will be faced with the momentous decision on whether to strike through the Low Countries in an effort to outflank the Maginot Line and ease the pressure on the Siegfried Line and save the Ruhr. The Berlin newspaper “Boersen Zeitung” sounded the note for the Gov-ernment-inspired Press by calling on the French to end the hostilities now that Russians and Germans have overrun Poland. Editorials in other papers said that the democracies are faced with “the necessity of revising their opinions with regard to a continuation of the war.” NEUTRAL SERVITORS POSITION OF ITALY ‘ & THE BALKANS. ROME, September 19. The “Osservatore Romano” declares that the Soviet action “constitutes a cowardly gesture.” The “Lavoro Fascista” states that Turkey has assured Russia that she will not neglect her trade relations, with Germany.. It is believed that Italy and the Balkans will only be suffered to remain outside the conflict il they keep Germany supplied. NO RECENT CHANGE FRENCH CONSOLIDATING POSITIONS. (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) PARIS, September 19. It is officially stated that nothing has happened for 48 hours to change the position on the West Front. The French are consolidating their positions and have built pillboxes and concrete trenches at the limit of their advance. The Air Force continues reconnaissance work, the pilots showing skill and courage in eluding the German fighters. A restricted . enemy attack occurred during the night in the region east of the Saar front. The attack was repulsed. “SLIGHT ACTIVITY” (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) BERLIN, September 19. A communique reports slight activity on the Western front.