1939-05-08 — Page 7

THE CHINA MAIL, MAY 8, 1939.

MILITARY ALLIANCE CAUSES NO SURPRISE

Designed To End Rumours Of Italian Grievances

EFFECT ON MEDITERRANEAN

UNDER DISCUSSION

London, To-day.

The Italo-German decision to define Axis relations in a political and military pact, has not al- together come as a surprise in London, writes Reuter's diplomatic correspondent.

However, official circles are reserving comment in the absence of details about the scope of the. Pact.

-POTEMKIN- TO PUT AN END

IN SOFIA

Sofia, To-day.

The Soviet Vice-Commissar for Foreign Affairs, M. Potemkin, ar- rived here from Ankara yesterday afternoon and left for Bucharest via Rustchuk last night.

During his stay in the Bulgar- ian capital, M. Potemkin met, the Bulgarian, Premier.-Trans-Ocean..

ANKING INVADED

Shanghai, To-day. Chinese messages received last. night claim. that Chinese forces It is remembered, of course, that relations between forced their way into Anking yes Germany and Italy have been the favourite terday and that street-fighting is theme for some time past of German and Ita-continuing. lian politicians.

It is presumed that the wording of the communique is designed to put an end to rumours of Italy's dissatisfaction with German po-

licy.

On the other hand, it is stressed that if there is a general dislike among Italians for the

existing

links with Germany, conclusion of a pact would only serve to accen- tuate such feeling.

REGULARISING POSITION

London observers regard the pact as regularising Germany's military position in so far as Italy is con- cerned,

Two points are being discussed in diplomatic circles in London-

L

Firstly, the effect on possible Ita- lian neutrality in certain circum- stances, and

Secondly, the relation of Germany to the Mediterranean and North Africa.

POLISH ATTITUDE

In Warsaw, Polish official quar- ters decline to comment on the pact

in

pondent.

Our Own Corres-

Nazi Allegations Of Polish Terror Continue

Berlin, To-day.

The anti-Polish howl by the Nazi officially inspired

press continues.

TO RUMOURS OF DIVERGENCIES

Berlin, To-day.

The Milan statement on the

| conclusion of a "comprehensive German-Italian military and poli- tical pact" was received here the without sensation because view held was that, contrary to all opinions of a reverse charac- ter, collaboration between the Axis Powers' has been so close that neither in Rome nor in Ber- lin had any doubt ever existed as to what would be the attitude of the other partner under any given circumstances.

That this intimate relationship has now been given the form of a political and military pact will once for all dispel all speculations as to differences of opinion between Ber- lin and Rome, for example on the Polish question.

Over and above this, the special "de- value of the new pact is its fensive character" towards the en- circlement policy of the Democratic in Berlin as powers designated "aggressive."

"SWORD-RATTLING”

It is felt that this "aggressive” encirclement policy" has received new and dangerous confirmation"

warlike intentions

"Nachtausgabe" alleges excesses committed by the speech of Colonel Beck. It against Germans in western Poland and de- is threatening because it harbours nounces "the hostile attitude of the Polish po-many. lice against Germans."

TOKYO OFFICIAL

ADMISSIONS ON WAR STRESS

TOKYO, TO-DAY,

The paper speaks of "an anti- German terror organised above."

from

Two alleged raids by Polish ac- tivists on German establishments in east Upper Silesia are reported.

A group of uniformed Poles, say the Nazis, broke into the headquarters of the German Volksband in Altdorf and de- molished furniture and des troyed literature and docu- ments.

..

towards Ger- "In order to defeat these aggressive intentions," the pact of Milan has now been concluded and serves one sole aim, namely to unshakeable oppose a strong and peace front towards the sword-ratt!- ing encirclement policy."

In conclusion, it is declared in political circles, that the statement issued in Milan is the logical out- come of the European situation`and take that it is now for others to cognisance of the fact that the Axis has taken steps to defend itself once to and for all against any threat its existence.-Trans-Ocean.

POPE'S PEACE CALL

Rome, To-lay.

The offices of the Young German until they know more of it, but ASKED WHETHER THERE there is no feeling in the Polish WAS A SHORTAGE OF LABOUR Party are also alleged to have been

raided. Trans-Ocean. capital that Poland's international IN AGRICULTURAL COMMUNI- position in any possible negotia-TIES IN JAPAN, THE MINISTER tions over Danzig has been weak-OF AGRICULTURE, MR. SAKU- The following telegram was sent ened by the Pact.

RAUCHI, ADMITTED THAT by the Governor on Saturday to the THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORT-

of Secretary

State for the The view is held unofficially

AGE IN MANY DISTRICTS.

Colonies: All communities of this been Warsaw that the Pact has

Besides the heavy drain on man- Colony present their humble" duty forced on an unwilling Italy which

in China, and most loyal and devoted wishes has no desire to see a European con- power due to the war

many farmers were becoming work-for Their Majesties' successful flict over Danzig.

At the same time, it is thought|ers in munition and other factories journey and safe return. likely that only after receiving as- owing to the high wages paid. This surances of moderation from Ger- tendency was particularly marked sented by the shortage of materials, many could Mussolini have agreed in villages in close proximity to due to "Government control men

the big cities.

sures, Mr. Sakurauchi admitted. to such a Pact.

Mr. Sakurauchi revealed that the Owing to the control of iron, GERMANY TO DECIDE

authorities have a plan to organise there was a shortage of agrical "labour corps," to be sent from one ltural implements, while a shortage The Polish press leaves no doubt village to another to help in of nails and wire was interfering with the manufacture of boxes for that it is now for Germany to de-agriculture in the busy season... cide the future of Polish-German It is also intended to increase packing fruit. relations.

the co-operation of women in farm The distribution of fertiliser was of men led astray by false doctrines. work and to press into service hindered by the shortage

"Gazeta Polska,” the official Gov- ernment organ, hopes Germany will choose the way to peace and will begin negotiations on the basis out lined by Colonel Beck.

grade primary school child-line, motors could not be secondary school students, for want of heavy oil; TERIAL SHORTAGE. for the extermination

problem waazpre were n

Pope Pius XII has address ench circular message in the French gress in Algiers, expressing a wish language to the Eucharistic - Con-

to: that peace may be vouchanfed

"disturbed humanity.”

The month of May, the Pope de- clares, will be devoted to public prayers in order that that the pro- mised peace on earth shall become a reality, peace in the troubled souls

and peace among the nations living In a perpetual fear.

Pope Pius XII pleads as Vicar Christ, for that pe

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