HONGKONG DAILY PRESS
MOLOTOV EMPHASISES TO REMAIN NEUTRAL IN EUROPEAN WAR
Significant Statement Concerning Rumania
TRADE PACT HINTS OF RUSSIANS IN LONDON
MOSCOW, MAR. 30, (REUTER)-—THE DETERMINA- TION OF SOVIET RUSSIA TO REMAIN NEUTRAL IN THE CONFLICT BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE ALLIES WAS THE KEYNOTE OF M MOLOTOV'S SPEECH TO THE SOVIET SUPREME COUNCIL.
He pictured Russia as surrounded by capitalistic Pow- 'ers trying to drag her into war, bitterly assailed France and Britain, and claimed that Russia moved only to pro- teet herself in Finland, which the Allies wanted to use as a jumping off place for an attack on her,
M. Molotov contested the the close co-ordination between suggestion that the commer-Russian and German propaganda. cial exchanges between Rus- However, M. Molotov's references sia and Germany constituted to Germany were far from cordial, warlike support, insisting that and it is clear that Russia wants Rumania's trade with Ger- the outside world to regard her as a neutral in the European war. many was immensely greater
M. Molotov went out of his way than Russia's, adding that no to say that Russia was giving 'one accused Rumania" of be-Germany less help than Rumania, ing in alliance with Germany and his speech must have been
The Soviet Government, sald M. small comfort for Germany. Molotov had committed no hostile acts against Britain or France, but the Allies appeared bent upon a policy of revenge.
SOVIET
CABLES
DETERMINATION
Madame Chiang Kai-shek being, presented with flowers "during her visit to the new home of the Hongkong Branch of the Na- tional Association for the Care of War Orphans at Fanling on
Friday.
MR. CHURCHILL
་ n'
Continued From Para 1
perhaps indeed, there might have been no warf, all the... neutral states who share our convictions upon fundimentat matters and openly or secretly sympathise with us had stood together and in one line.
"We did not count on this and. "therefore, we are not dismayed. We trust in God and in our own arm uplifted in a cause which we devoutly feel carries with it larger hopes and harmonies for man- kind.
Supreme War Council Looks
Into Future: No Conclusion Of Any Separate Peace
SMALLER STATES
"But the fact that the smaller states in Europe are terrorised by Nazi violence and brutality into supplying Germany with" materials of modern war may condemn the whole world to a prolonged ordeal with grievous consequences many lands Therefore I cannot
im
assure you that the was wat be short, and still less that it will be easy. It Is. I think, our duty to try as far as our strength lies. not, only to win the war, but also to curtail, as far as possible, its devouring course."
LONDON, MARCH 30 (REUTER) — CONCLUSIONS TO KE DRAWN FROM THE SUPREME WAR COUNCIL MEETING AND THE RECALL OF THE BRITISH
Referring to the AMBASSADORS FROM THE
small states BALKANS for a conference next week with the Foreign Secre-
who had the misfortune to be tary are discussed by the Diplomatie Correspondent of the' B.B.C.
Germany's neighbours, Mr. Chur- chill said they had the greatest The importance of the decisions! The Council must have noted sympathy for these forlom coun- reached by the Supreme War that although Germany is con-tries and understood their dangers Council, he says, needs no under-tinuously out, aging. neutrality and their points of view, but it' Hning. It was not unexpected the neutrals raise less of a cry would not be right," or in the gen that the Allies should stress their than they do over a technical in-eral interest, that their weakness. Intention not to conclude OF ne-fringement of their rights by the should feed the agressor's strength gotiate for a peace. A simlar Allies.
and fill to overflowing the cup of agreement was reached early in the last war.
human woe.
Conditions Stressed
"This tendency on the part of neutrals to accept two different standards of conduct must have been a mater of grave concern to the Allies.
Iron Ore Trafile
German propaganda this morn ing welcomed the speech but it was only published in carefully "As a result of the Soviet-Fin- purgated form in the Nazi press. nish war the fact remains that M. Molotov's reference to trade Britain and certain other im-was interesting as the Soviet only perialist states have taken part in last week. suggested a new trade war against the Soviet Union" M. treaty between Britain and Russia. Molotov declared.
IM. Molotov ignored his statement But the meeting went further. "There are many instances of last September of the importance It indicates the conditions on Franco-British hastity towards of Russian-German trade rela-which the Allies will discuss peace the Soviet.' Germany frustrated tiens.
terms: peace' will not be discussed It is most acute with regard to them.
M. Molotov wants trade with before the Allies have reached Scandinavia. Attention has been Britain refused, to long- the Alles but complains of the "complete agreement on the confocussed on the German traffic in standing Soviet orders and even-action of our contraband control ditions, necessary to ensure to iron ore through. Norweglan and tually her hostile attitude cul- in stopping supplies passing to each of them 311 effective and Swedish waters. minated in the "seizure of two Germany via Vladivostok.
lasting zuarantee of their secu:1- Soviet ships.
ty."
This is not all. The Supréme War Council looked ahead even beyond the conclusion of peace. pending complete Allied co-opera-
but afterwards. until a new in ton not only while the war is on.
ternational order can
"The British Government enTM deavoured to justify these acts on the ground that the goods were destined for Germany."
RUSSIA AND RUMANIA Discussing Rumarla, he said that the Bessarabla question remained outstanding, but the Soviet Union would not go to war "over Bessara- bia.
Union had every intention to ful-
I Nevertheless, there were sus-
REBUFF TO GERMANY?
M Molotov's speech is splashed on the front pages of this morn- ing's newspapers.
It is regarded as a snub to
of Russia to improve relations Hitler and as indicating the desire with countries other than Ger
many.
structed.
We must postpone Judgment, Says The Observer," on the sin-quate word.
де con-
all
legal conventions.
"There could be no justice if, in a life and death struggle, the aggressor trampled down every sentiment of humanity and those who resisted him remained en- angled in the latters of violated
Mr. Churchill went on to say that hardly a day passen without fresh cutrages of a cruel and bar- barous character being inflicted upon shipping and the sailors of all
Their European countries. ships had been sunk by mines or torpedoes, or by bombs, from the
Norway has been accelerated since dered or left to perish, unless we The tempo of these attacks on air, and their crews had been mur-
Thursday, when Norway interned had been able to rescue them. U-boat 21, which had run aground Swedes, Norwegians." Danes and on the Norwegian coast.
even Italians had been victims of Hitler's murderous deeds.
Germany is now threaten- ing Norway and even asking her and other neutrals to close their ports to Allied ships on the excuse that these ships carry defensive guns.
to
"Co-operation" seems an' Inade-: Russia's relations with Turkey
In the phrase of the
Italy And Russia and Iran were governed by treaties cerity of M. Molotov's desire for official communique, it will be "a of non-aggression which the Soviet neutrality as she needs a
neutrality. Perhaps she does want community of action in
Another subject bound to have: rest spheres," and the Allies will occupied the Council's attention after the Finnish campaign. maintain this until a new interna-was the attitude of the Allies picious activities in the Near East. Into war by Germany unless she suling liberty. respect for law
*Russia, will certainly not be led tional order has been reached en- Italy and Soviet Russia, in Syria (where the Allied armles are being organised) on which the has ends of her own to gain." closest watch must be kept.
The Dally Herald diplomatie Relations with the United States correspondent describes it as a The communique draws a clear were neither better nor worse, sald definite rebuff to Germany and in- distinction between the actual M. Molotov, concluding by repeat- terprets it to mean that Russia is conclusion of peace, which must With regard to Italy, the con- ing: "We must maintain our posi- resuming an attitude of indepen- depend on both having an tion of neutrality and refrain from dence. any participation in the war or the Great Powers."
ic
are
and the maintenance of peace.
Allied Unity
Some circles believe Russia to be one of the most serious leak- ages in the blockade, and no doubt the position was reviewed from every angle.
the
CONVOY SYSTEM
יי
In his frenzy, this wicked man and the criminal regime which he conceived and erect- ed, increasingly turn their malice apon the
weak and lonely, and above all the un- armed vessels of countries
with which Germany is still supposed to be in friendly re- lations. In the Anglo-Feuch convoys, sald Mr. Churchill, there is safety. Only one in eight hundred ships
effet-
sideration may have been given to
4 the French tive guarantee of their security, demands voiced in The correspondent declares that and the construction of Europe Press recently for a serious at- Soviet circles in London are drop after the peace has been reach tempt at an Allied rapprochement NO OFFICIAL COMMENT
with Italy. ping very broad hints that Moscowed LONDON, Mar. 31 (Reuter)-In would be by rio means averse to Only
which resorted to our protection the in
anal post-war
The Balkans view of the fact that M. Molotov's reopening negotiations. for an period does the communique re- speech does not indicate any new Anglo-Soviet trade agreement.
Finally, a note on the Balkans. had been sunk, but outside the fer to the assistance of other na- and the announcement that
shelter of the Allied navies, a mer- departure in the Russian foreign WAY TO IMPROVEMENT" tions in the work of reconstruc- British envoys to the various Bal-ctless, baffled and pent-up spite policy na reaction is likely in He interprets all this to
tion. The importance of this kan states are to visit London. was wreaked upon all those who British official quarters. Reuter's mean that the Soviet is now clear statement of Allied unity This shows that the Allies are came into the Nazi clutch. diplomatic correspondent learns. rapidly coming to the con-
both before peace is attained and fully alive to the constant efforts Mr. Churchill said that, only LONDON REACTION
clusion that the Alles LONDON, Mar. 30 (Reuter)- going to win, and concludes Diplomatie quarters, commenting by declaring that definite OF Soviet Foreign Commussar cessation of Russlar economic Molotov's speech, said it made assistance to Germany would Russlan Dolicy little clearer, open the way to a real im- though. his attack on the Allies provement in Anglo-Franco- was not unexpected, in view of Russian relations in every
field. The Daily Telegraph says what chestnuts Hitler will pull out of the fire for Stalin wil
be 20- The attitude of the neutrals cepted-as-before-but-reciprocity-is-must have been one of the fore not part of the game.
most problems discussed.
Diplomats To Foregather
The Daily Mail says M. Molotov ends Hitler's three-power hopes.
SOVIET AND PEACE
MONDAY, APRIL 1, 1940-PAGE 7
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Nazi
Propaganda Effort: Accuses Britain, U.S. Of
Stirring Up War
LONDON, March 30 (Reuter)-The German Government Jes- terday tried to put over one of the most astounding propaganda efforts, of this or any other war. Neutral correspondents were summoned to the Foreign Office and there presented with a collec Hon of documents, purporting to prove that, since 1938, Britain and the United States had been planning an offensive war against Germany. -
The "documents purported to be given to the "documents," while the reports to their Government President Roosevelt, at his press of the Polish Minister in Washing-conference, Bald: “Propaganda.“ ton, London and Paris and other from Europe must be taken with Polish diplomats.
a grain of salt.""
WELLES VISIT
It is regarded as, significant that the chief American correspon- At the same conference, Presi dents "in Berlin were invited to dent Roosevelt discussed the vialt the Foreign Office before those of Mr. Sumner Welles to Europe of other neutral countries:
and emphasised that he had not, The motive of this unique form received any peace proposals. The of propaganda is considered to information gathered, he said.
peace.
be an attack upon President would, no doubt, be, of the great Roosevelt and an appeal to the est value when the time comes opponents of his administration. for the establishment of a lasting
· NO · CREDENCE Immediately following the dis- In Rome, Mr. Myron Taylor, the closure of the "documents" denials personal envoy of President Roose- were formally issued in Washing- velt, had a further audience of. ton and by the Polish Ministars the Pope today. "implicated."
BULLITT REPUDIATES Mr. Cordell Hul declared that
WASHINGTON, March 30 (Reu not the slightest credence need beter)-Mr. William Bullitt, former U. S. Ambassador to France, and M. Potocki, have ned formal denials of statements attributed the Berlin White. Paper, which they describe as propaganda,
he looked round at all the grea: warships at anchor and other pre-to them in parations, he comforted himself with the thought that when those Polish sailors had finished their
COMPLICATIONS EXPECTED work with the British Navy we
AMSTERDAM, Mar. 30 (Havas). would take particular cafe to seeThe Berlin correspondent of the that they had a home to go to, Amsterdam Telegraaf says the Nazi White Paper has caused a sensation, although it was ob- viously inspired by decision of the United States to sell her latest type warplane to the Allies and by the inability of Mr. Welles to report favourably on the prospects of a patched-up peace,
AIM OF WAR "Thoughtless, diletante or purblind worldlings, although the fate of Poland stares them in the face, sometimes ask us: what is it that Britain and France are fighting for? To this I would answer, if we lef off fighting you would soon find out.
the conflict.
war
At the outbreak, of
not be
It is likely to signal the renewal of propaganda, against the United States, says the correspondent, who adds that diplomatie com- plications may be expected "to follow
BERLIN PLAY-UP
"We shall follow this wherever it leads us; but we have no wish to broaden the area of the war, we did not know that BERLIN March 30. (Reuter)-- Italy would Many people had hoped that Rus tremendous play in the German our enemy. The Nazi White Book is given sia would re-enter the comity of press, where it is described as nations and help shield the work-proof even better than we could ing folk all over the world from have anticipated of all our ac
But none of ecsations". Nazi aggression. these things, bad or good, has The Berliner Boersen Zeitung happened.
declares: "Poland's role as the 'We have no quarrel with the plaything of Britain and France have tried and shall try to live Ambassadors in France and Bri- We becomes clear, The American
in the final settlement is obvious.Germany is making to stir up yesterday, while sailors from a Italian or Japanese people,
No less important were the de- trouble in central and south-east British submarine were carrying cisions reached regarding the con- Europe.
ashore, on stretchers, eight ema
MOSCOW, Mar. 31 4Reuter) Convoy System
duct of the war, but the com- The main aim of German pociated Dutchmen whom they had
on good terms with them. It is tsin appear as asking for a blank mulque" could not be quite solicy there is to disturb relations
no part of our polley to seek war cheque for Poland, rescued from six days" exposure in specific about this It says:"The to such an
with Russia: There is no need "for
"FROM A SAFEBREAKER” extent so that the an open, boat, Dutch aviators, in Council passed in review develop-Relch can exert pressure on each the name of strict impartial or-
Russia to be drawn into the strug-
NEW YORK, Mar. 30 (Reuter)- ments in the strategic situation country, one by one."
gic, unless upon the promptings of Commenting on the German White thodoxy, were shooting down s since their last meeting and de- The Allies desire to
an obsolete imperialist ambition Book, the New York Times, says; see the
British aircraft which hea lost its she wishes to do so of her own "First thing to be noted is that cided on the future line of action." countries of south-east Europe
volition. Important Problem
the documents come from a satė- collaborate to their mutual ad-way.
"I do not reproach the Dutch.
"Our affairs is with Hitler and breaker who asks credence for his vantage, so that they can escape
Nazi-German power. There is the word concerning what he found the Nazi attempts to deal with our valiant Allies of former days.
The 'documents' consist largely 'them one by one.
My heart goes out to them in their head and the forefront of the peril and distress, dwelling as they alone that we seek to strike.
offending, and it is there and there of what somebody told "somebody do in a. cage "with
*else." 3 tiger.
"All is quiet on the Western But when we are asked to take, Front and today, so far, nothing clares: "Such stuff is war pro- ENEMY PLANES
The New York Daily News de- as a matter of course, interpreta- has happened on the sea or in the paganda and it is to be hoped OVER - ORKNEYS
tions of neutrality which give all alr. But more than a million Ger- that Americans will not be LONDON, Mar. 31 (Reuter)-A the advantages to the aggressors, man soldiers are drawn up, rendy excited as the originators of this. German plane approached Bhet- and inflict all the disadvantages to strike, at a few hours notice. story hoped." land Islands this morning when upon the defenders of freedom, I all along the frontiers of Luxem-
NAZIS IN HOTE the air raid warning was sounded. recall the saying of the late Lord burg. Belgium and Holland. At any However, no bombs were dropped. Balfour, This is a singularly ill-
BERLIN, Mar. 31 (Reuter)—The moment these neutral countries Ometal News Agency, commenting may be subjected to an avalanche NEW, YORK, Mar. 30 (Reuter) and the enemy" was driven off.
British fighter aircraft went up contrived, world, but not so 11-
contrived as that.""
of steel and fire; and the decision on the American denials of the The Journal adds that the. Bri-
PARIS. Mar. 31 (Reuter) A first-hand account of the aucIt is believed that an enemy plane
rests in the hands of the haunted, Book, says that the United States.
authenticity of the Nazi White/ VILLAINOUS DEEDS tish Government is closely watch- Official circles regard M. Molotova cessful operation of the British was also seen over the Orkneys
morbid being who, to their en- Mr. Churchill said that all the *ing German attempts to obtain speech with
dentes facts which cannot be a good deal of convoy system was given today by but was driven off by anti-air-outrages in the sea paled before in their bewilderment have wor
ternal shame, the German peoples
denied. economie- kenefits through threats scepticism,
correspondent of the "New York and datteries in that part of the
the villainous deeds, wrought upon shipped as God. craft Bre. "world.
the helpless Czechs and Austrļans, and sink into Insignificance before the hideous agony of Poland..
MEETINGS IN PARIS AND LONDON
The general impression created LONDON, Mar. 30 (Havas) here by M Molotov's speech is The pending convocation of Bri- that the Soviet Union, fresh from tish diplomatic envoys from counts triumph in Finland. desires tries in South-East Europe con- Peace on all trontiers. cides with the meeting in Paris
of diplomats from the
same
"It is also thought that Germany. too, must have noticed M. Molotov's
countries, declares "The Times," reaffirmation of Soviet neutrality.
+
A Success
NEUTRAL OBSERVER
IMPRESSED
In view of the pact with Ger- Times," who has spent the past many. It is regarded as hypocriti-week in the North Sea. It is noted with satisfactionçal for the Soviet to declare that
"The British." he said, "are win- that the Balkan states are stout-she will continue to be neutral. ly resisting Germany's exorbitant
bing on this front, The Germans demands.
have not yet found an adequate
"héretofore
BERLIN REPORTS BERLIN, Mar. 31 (Reuter)-Ac-
to overcome
Ger-
Shell shrapnel fell into streets below.
the
any
The Times" emphasises the cording to the official" German which the British and French are number of speeches in the House
answer to the convoy system by the convoy. system than "magnanimous" attitude of Tur-News Agency, newspapers report
Neutral shipping! key in striving to bring countries M. Molotov's speech extensively. endeavouring with almost 100 per of Commons.
Jealous of
each emphasising that 24 hours after many's efforts to blockade them.
cent, success
men have confidence in it. other" closer together.
the London War Council meeting
"It does not guarantee them The Journal concludes that Russia has given an answer which
RISK REDUCED
complete safety, but it has re- Britain should beat Germany in admits of no misunderstanding. "One week spent at sea with nen- duced risk to such a small propor- purchasing goods in South-East Russia will not let anyone touch tral ships officers and men is more tion, one-fifth of 3 per cent, that, Europe.
her neutrality.
convincing of the effectiveness of it is a good gamble."
The other day, Mr. Churchill added, he inspected the crew of a Polish destroyer. "I have rarely seen a finer body of men," he said. "I was stirred by their discipline and bear Ing. Yet how tragic was their plight! Their ship was afloa but their country had found- Gred Mr. Churchill continued that as
"That is the situation in Europe ARTILLERY tonight.
And can anyone wonder
FIRE
ELA
that we are determined to bring PARIS, Mar 31 (Reuter)-A such hideous, states of alarm and French communique states that menace to an end as soon as may artillery fire was heard in the be, and once and for all?
region north-west of Bitche while" "Few there are tonight, who bursts of machine-gun fire were looking back on the last seven audible along the Rhine in Up. months, would doubt that the Bri- per Alsace. tish and French peoples were right to draw the sword of justice and LONDON, Mar. 31 (Reuter-A retribution. Fewer still, there are, report from Amsterdam states that who would wish to sheath it. till two Dutch trawlers were 'attacked "Its sombre," righteous work is by seven Nazi planes this morning done" concluded Mr. Churchill, off the west coast of Scotland;