Evening star., 1935-02-03
EUROPE'S DANGERS
CENTER IN POLAND
German Elements Continue
Corridor Agitation De.
spite Treaty.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
In cabled dispatches, in letters from
relatives, in gossip among traveller.
comes the message: watch polandl"
Indications from many sources are
that Poland's future history-probably
of the immediate future-will be of
absorbing interest. From Germany
comes the disturbing rumor that some
elements feel that PomorZe, that area
which often is called ''the Polish cor
ridor," should again be part of Ger
many. The rumor Is not shouted. II
is. as a matter of fact, officially
froWned upon, for Germany and Po-
land have a cultural pact" under
which the two governments have un-
dertaken to see to it that their citi-
zens do not make unkind remarks
about their neighbors across the bor-
der.
But the smoke Of rumor Is there and
the world may well be concerned by
how much fire Is causing that smoke.
Poland Once Partitioned.
Poland once was partitioned between
Russia, Germany and Austria. The
United States, at the close OF the
World War, insisted that Poland be re-
established, and at the stroke of a
pen a nation lived again.
Atthe start of its renaissance Po-
land hadto fight against the Commu-
nists. Under Pilsudskis leadership
the Red troops were driven out Of the
country.
Polish public opinion, remembering
back through eight generations OF
Russian, Austrian and German domi-
nation. has been none too friendly to-
ward Germanic nations.
This attitude has been source Of
satisfaction to France which mate
rally assisted Poland in driving out
the Communist army, for France long
has sought ring of Steep around
Germany. She tied Poland close to
her bilateral treaties and helped
Poland develop one of the most pow
erful military machines in the world
today. In 1920, for example, Poland
had standing army of 100000 men.
Since that date, she has reduced her
forces to 100000, but she has we'll
trained reserves which must give her
a total trained force Of nearly
100000 available soldiers.
Poland has concluded bilateral
pacts with Russia, Germany, Ru-
mania and other neighbors whereby
she seeks to guarantee peace.
PomorZe is an excellent name to
know: even though Polish Corridor"
is easier to pronounce, it is not
good expression to pronounce in the
presence Of Poles. Why should you
call it 'corridor'?" they ask. 1T al
ways was part of Poland before the
Germans took it away and, under
God, it always will be hereafter. The
only trouble with the Pomorze of the
present day is that it is only small
fraction of our old PomorZe"
The German suggestions are heard
as direct result of the plebiscite in
the Saar Basin territory.
Favorable Vote Seen.
Some Germans said that people in
several other sections of Europe which
once were Germany would vote just
like the Saarlanders If they were only
given a chance. One of the sections
thus mentioned was Pomorze.
Now, pact or no pact, such sugges-
ton is not likely to meet with a
pleasant reception in Poland. 1t is
worth nothing that despite previous
indications that Poland was pulling
away from France and drifting into
q close friendship with Germany,
Joseph Beck. Poland's foreign min
lister, recently announced that Poland
would zealously preserve her alliance
with France"