Evening star., 1939-08-20
Lloyd George Thinks Dictators
In Earnest; War Up to Poland
Hitler's Decision Believed Made on Danzig and
Peace or Conflict Seen Ringing on
Answer of Poles
Answer of Poles
By David Lloyd George

of Herr Hitler as a casus belli will she
take military action to recover her
special position in Danzig? If she does,
that is undoubtedly war. If she acqui-
esces, then as far as Danzig is concerned
it is removed as one of the elements
which would break the peace of the
world. It is for Poland to take this
decision for France and Britain have
declared in unequivocal terms that they
will accept Poland's verdict and back her
by force of arms,
But if Poland prefers submission to
accepting effective help from Russia,
that is her business. Even Heaven only
promises help to those who help them
selves. And if Poland prefers German
deSpotiSm 10 Russian assistance, then
Britain'S guarantee does not materialize
More Than Danzig.
The second question upon which the
issue of peace and war depends is
whether the Fuehrer will be satisfied
with recovery of Danzig. or whether he
will further proceed to demand restora-
ton of the German lost provinces which
now constitute the Polish Corridor. The
recent articles in the German press
leave no doubt as to what his desires
are. Do they also represent his in
.tentions?
1t is significant that these articles
have followed Immediately after the
conversations in Salzburg and Berchtes-
gaden. No articles of this kind would
be permitted except with the previous
consent of the German government
Their simultaneity indicates there was
not only consent, but direction from
above. If Germany puts forward this
demand with the intention of enforcing
it, Poland has no alternative but to
fight. Neither have We
I have no doubt that the Fuehrer has
in his mind sooner or later to recover
the whole of the Corridor and Silesia
But would he be satisfied now with
Danzig and postpone the larger opera
ton until later on? 1 am convinced that
the axis plans settled upon at the recent
conferences will have decided that issue
Much will depend upon the outcome of
the dillydally over the Russian alliance
Mussolini Revives Claims.
Then come the claims of Mussolini
against France. Not much has been
said about them recently. The Duce
has been strangely reticent about them
But there was an ominous sentence in
the German-Italian press reports of
the interview between Count Ciano and
Herr Pihhertrnp u-bio ioI, ind tal
was decided that any settlement ar
rived at must cover the case of Jibuti
and Tunis.
Can the Duce back out of his claims
without receiving substantial territorial
compensation from France or Britain
or both? Albania and the Tyrol trans
action evidently do not satisfy his appe-
tite, for he has renewed his claims
against France within the last few days
1t is clear he has set his mind on build
ing up an African empire. This he can
not achieve except at the expense of
France and Britain.
One of the gravest declarations made
within the last few days has been the
emphatic statement of the German press
that the axis powers are not prepared
to enter into any international confer
ence on their demands.
Meanwhile, I wish some one would
give a satisfactory explanation as to
why, in the face of all this appalling
urgency, there is so much delay in
coming to terms with Russia, who holds
the key to the whole situation.
(Copyright, 1889 United Features syndicate)