HOPES DIMINISHED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 November 1939, Page 5

HOPES DIMINISHED

THE NAZIS AND RUSSIA “ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL COLLABORATION.” VICIOUS PRESS ATTACKS ON FRANCE. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON. November 1. The Berlin correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Company says that Germany, abandoning hopes of wooing France from England, is supplementing vicious attacks against England with attacks against France. The German Press stresses the economic and political collaboration of Russia and Germany. The "Nachtausgabe" says that England and France comfort themselves with the knowledge that Russia is staying neutral, but Germany has always emphasised that she can see the struggle through alone.

SOVIET NEUTRALITY DISAPPOINTMENT FOR BERLIN. EMPHASISED BY BRITISH NEWSPAPERS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY. November 2. “The Times,” in a leading article, says that the only obvious effect of M. Molotov’s speech has been to disappoint Berlin and disillusion the German people. The "Daily Mail” states: "Berlin had said that M. Molotov’s speech would prove a turning point in the war—in Germany's favour. If M. Molotov's words that the main plank in Russia's foreign policy is continued neutrality mean anything, Herr Hitler can expect no direct assistance from M. Stalin. "True,” the article states, "there were some pious phrases about a policy of permanent friendship with Germany. This, however, was based not on a military alliance but on the development of mutual trade. “There is nothing here about the ‘necessary measures’ which were to have followed the rejection of Herr Hitler's so-called peace offer. There is nothing of any new peace terms put forward by Herr Hitler through M. Stalin. There is no turning point. The “Daily Herald” states: "In return for handing over the Baltic to M. Stalin, Germany gets nothing but words.” The "Daily Express” states: “M. Stalin will give Herr Hitler moral support but not armed assistance." AMERICAN VIEWS BRITAIN AND THE INVASION OF POLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. NEW YORK, November 1. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says there is little indication that Mr J. W. McCormack’s demand will receive serious consideration. The correspondent adds that M. Molotov's speech went far toward convincing officials that the RussianGerman alignment will last for a long time. The feeling is growing that Britain has made a mistake in not taking issue over the Russian occupation of Poland, thus discouraging Soviet attempts to go further. Officials are not convinced that Japan is even lukewarm toward the arrangement with the Soviet which the Russians obviously desire, and they believe she prefers to reach an understanding with the Western Powers.

Congressman J. W. McCormack (Democrat, Massachusetts) demanded the recall of the Ambassador in Russia, maintaining that M. Molotov's opposition to repeal of the embargo was a "flagrant violation of international law.” JAPANESE DOUBTS COMMENT ON M. MOLOTOV'S SPEECH. TOKIO. November 2. Commenting on M. Molotov's speech, the Press says that Russia must give more concrete evidence of good intentions before full Russian-Japanese accord can be expected. Referring to M. Molotov's declarations regarding the British and French “ideological warfare,” the newspaper “Kukumin,” which voices ultra-nation-alist opinion, observes: “We seem to be asked to forget that M. Molotov represents a Government which started ideological warfare and launched a programme of world-wide Red propaganda."