BRITISH POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20923, 30 September 1939, Page 8

BRITISH POLICY

NO CHANGE LIKELY JE£ AGAINST AGGRESSION ANGLO=FRENCH UNITY (Official Wireless) (Received Sept. 30, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Sept. 29 Press communications from Moscow and Berlin on the conclusion of the conversations between M. Molotoff and Herr von Ribbentrop are fully reproduced in the evening newspapers, and in the absence of more authoritative news these reports are being studied in appropriate departments in London. The communiques do not appear to contemplate a buffer State in Poland, but rather to indicate a single line of demarcation between Russia and Germany, but in the absence of the map referred to in a message from Berlin which it stated indicates this line there is naturally much reserve in authoritative quarters in offering any observations in regard to the matter. However, it is assumed that full consideration will be given by the Cabinet to the terms of the reported agreement and that there will be close consultation with the French Government on the subject. Situation Not Changed Meanwhile there is little likelihood of a Government statement. However, it is well to recall that the possibility of such an agreement has been implicit in the situation ever since the signature of the Ger-man-Russian non-aggression pact and the general situation contemplated when the Prime Minister made his recent statement in Parliament is in no way changed in consequence of the Moscow developments. Speaking in the House of Commons last week, Mr Chamberlain, in defining the British attitude said: “Our general purpose is well known. It is to redeem Europe from the perpetual and recurring fear of German aggression and to enable the people of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties.” These words were repeated in a formal official statement following upon the speech of Signor Mussolini on Sunday. What has now occurred or may occur is not likely to change this attitude. The situation is in all essentials precisely the same as Britain has been facing since the war began. Need of Firm Stand The emergence from the Moscow talks of a pact to divide Poland between Russia and Germany and the announcement that, failing the success of the efforts to end the war in the west, there would be ta German-Russian co-operation, is regarded by the newspapers in London and Paris as importing into the situation no problem that has not already been faced. Nevertheless, the tone of the terms of the joint German-Russian declaration are regarded as further evidence of the extent of the deterioration in the standards of international conduct and as emphasising the necessity for a firm stand against methods which cynically sacrifice the independence of small states.