THE LAST PHASE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20912, 18 September 1939, Page 7

THE LAST PHASE

INVASION DEFENDED MOLOTOFF’S BROADCAST POLAND DISAPPEARED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 18, 11.5 a.m.) MOSCOW, Sept. 17 M. Molotoff, broadcasting for the first time in his life, said: “The last phase in the breakdown of Poland 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 ceased to have any significance, because the Polish Slate has virtually disappeared and its internal bankruptcy is patent. “The incapability of the Polish State has been demonstrated in the events of the past fortnight. Poland has lost all its Industrial centres, Warsaw has ceased to exist as the centre of government, and nobody knows where the Government has gone. Such a situation imposes particular concern to 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 the catas-

trophe 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 the face of this situation, nor can it, remain neutral to the fact of the Ukrainian and White Russian populations. Its duty is to extend the 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 protection of the lives and property of these peoples.” Task of Emancipation M. Molotoff concluded with an appeal to the army for rigorous discipline in carrying out its honourable task of emancipation. No Rationing of Food Addressing Russian civilians, M. Molotoff said: “There lately has become evident a desire to accumulate food and other goods, because of the fear of the introduction of ration cards. The Government does not intend to do 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-sacrillcingly at their posts, thus rendering support to Hie Red Army. I am confident that the army will carry out its duty with honour and glory. “All citizens and members of the Army are at present united as never before round the Government and the great and wise leader, M. Stalin, for new and unprecedented successes in peaceful labour and Red Army victories.”