Evening star., 1939-09-03

AOA cCtCAoA yCdAo W uldAC OCIlCI
conquests easier? As long as a Ger
man-Polish pact was profitable to
Germany, 1t IVES respected by Ger
many. The day when 1t became an
obstacle to his march toward hege-
mony, he did not hesitate to de-
nounce 1t.
We are told today that once Ger
man demands on Poland are salts
fed Germany will promise the
whole world perpetual peace. We
know this promise already. On May
rs, 1885, Chancellor Hitler promised
not to intervene in the internal af-
fairs OF Austria and not to attach
Austria to the Reich. And on March
IL, 1888, the German army entered
Vienna. Chancellor Schuschnigg
was thrown in prison for having
dared defend the independence Of
his country and none can say what
his true fate is after so many suf-
ferings But 1t seems that Schusch-
nigg's provocations determined the
invasion and enslavery Of his
fatherland.
nltlcr Dl2mcO fFOVOCat1OnS.
On September IL, 1898, Chancellor
Hitler declared that the Sudeten
problem was an internal affair which
concerned only the German minority
Of the Bohemia and Czecho-Slovak
government. A few hours later he
unmasked his ambitions, pretending
that they were made legitimate by
the violence Of Czech provocations.
September 26, 1893, Chancellor
Hitler declared that Sudeten terri
tory represented the last territorial
demands which he had to make
in Europe.
March IA, 1889, M. Hacha was
called to Berlin, summoned for the
hardest sort Of coercion to accept
an ultimatum.
A few hours later Prague was oc-
cupied despite the signatures given.
There again Chancellor Hitler tried
to blame his victims for the respon-
sibility which falls only on an
aggressor.
January 80, 1899, finally Chancellor
Hitler praised the non-aggression
pact which he had signed five years
before with Poland He hailed this
accord as a true, free understanding
and solemnly confirmed his inten-
ton to respect its terms.
Hitler's acts, not his words, count.
What, therefore, is our duty?
Poland is our ally. We contracted
with Poland in the treaties of 1921
and 1925. These treaties have been
confirmed.
said on the tribune of the cham
/ Der May 49, last: Following Col.
Becks trip to London and the en-
gagements of reciprocal guarantee
contracted by Britain and Poland,
we took in agreement with this
courageous, noble nation necessary
measures to immediate, direct ap-
plication of our treaty of alliance"
Parliament unanimously approved
such policy.
Since then we have never ceased
IN diplomatic negotiations and pub
hc declarations to show our faith in
these agreements.
Our Ambassador in Berlin many
times has reminded Chancellor
Hitler and his associates that if
Germans attacked Poland, we would
1ulnll our engagements.
Berlin Ambassador Warned,
And September /, at Paris,
monsieur the minister of foreign
Affairs told the Ambassador of Ger
many in France:
France has defined engagements
toward Poland. These engagements
have again been strengthened during
recent events and in consequence,
France will oe at Polands side i'm
mediately as soon as Poland itself
takes arms Poland has been the
OBJECT OF a most unjust, brutal ag-
gresSlon. Nations which guaranteed
her independence are called upon
TO intervene for her defense. Britain
ana France are not powers which
go back on their signature.
Last evening, September l. the
Ambassadors OF France and Brit
ain made a common representation
to the German government. They
placed the following communication
OF the French government in the
nands OF M. Won Ribbentrop: Early
this morning the German Chancel-
lor issued a proclamation to the
German Army which clearly indi-
Gates that he was on the point Of
attacking Poland.
information reaching the French
government and his majesty's gov
ernment IN the United Kingdom,
indicates that troops crossed the
Polish frontier and that attacks
against Polish cities are in prog
ress.
Aggression Calls for Assistance.
In these conditions it seems to
the French and United Kingdom
governments that by it's action the
German government has created
conditions (this is an act of force
OF aggressive character against
Poland, threatening the independ-
ence OF the country which call for
the execution by the governments
OF France and the United Kingdom
OF their engagements toward Poland
to come to her aid.
In consequence l must inform
your excellency that unless the Ger
man government is disposed to give
the French government satisfactory
assurances that the German gov
eminent has suspended all aggres-
sive action against Poland and is
ready to withdraw its forces prompt
ly from Polish territory, the French
government will fulfill its obliga-
tions with regard to Polish govern
ment without hesitation
So, gentlemen, it is not only the
question of the honor Of our coun-
try.
1t also is question of protecting
its vital interests.
For a France which would deny
its signature would soon become q
conquered France. Isolated with
out allies, without support, soon
would expose herself to a terrible
attack.