Evening star., 1939-08-14

place since March, lDhen Ger
many absorbed Bohemia, Nora
{ pid and Memel. Danstg formerly
Cns part of Germany. but ,Das
made free city, Joined in customs
union. under League of Nations
By Treaty OF Versailles.
~ the Associated Press.
A plan for a peaceful settlement
Of the Danzig question was reported
sfoot in Europe today.
usually good official connections said
that Prof. Carl J Burckhardt, League
of Nations commissioner for Danzig,
had proposed a reunion of Danzig to
Germany with establishment of "a
direct and guaranteed connection
between East Prussia including
Danzig, and Germany proper.
1t was admitted for the first time
in Berlin that Burckhardt was in
consultation with Fuehrer Hitler last
week. Hitler, Polish Foreign Min
lister Beck and Albert Forster, Danzig
Nazi leader, all were said to have ac-
cepted the plan as possible basis
for discussion.
Negotia ton Move Seen.
In London British official circles
observed that Burckhardt now was
''in a position to make contacts
with both the Polish government
and the Danzig Senate, and they
saw in Burckhardt's talks with Hitler
a possible preliminary move to nego-
tiate the Danzig dispute.
In Warsaw also the view was eX-
pressed that Burckhardt had dis
cussed with Hitler the possibility
of a new solution" for the future
of the Free City, Germany's before
the World War and now within
Polands customs administration.
These developments followed upon
reported decision by Germany and
italy upon a joint course of action
in Europe's immediate future. The
exact nature of this decision, how
ever, was not disclosed.
Warn of Explosion.
High Nazi officials we're defiant,
warning that the European powder
barrel" meaning Danzig. may ex-
plode" unless the question of the
Free City's status is settled speed
lily. while in London there was a
hint of a possible compromise.
The authoritative Times of Lon
don said that If italy and Ger
many were seeking peaceful re-
vision of some of the remaining
terms" of the Versailles Treaty they
would mo doubt find a general
readiness to confer among all the
interested states"
Although there was no confrma-
ton for them. rumors were pub
ished in several London newspa-
pers of various plans" for ne
eotiated settlement" of Europe S
problems.
Danzig Burning Problem"
In Berlin the mouthpiece of the
isch-Politische Korrespondenz, stat
ed:
IF the stubborness and insolence
of certain powers in regions that do
not in any way concern their in
terest continues, they may be sure
that the determination of Germany
and Italy will be posed against them
The future of Danzig, which
has often been designated as the
powder barrel of Europe, has today
again become a burning problem
and one that endangers the peace u
italian Foreign Minister Count
Ciano returned home last night to
report to Premier Mussolini after
three days of conferences in Ger
many with Fuehrer Hitler and For
eign Minister Joachim Won Ribben-
trop. Officisls in both the German
and Italian camps were silent on any
decisions made.
1t was hinted in Berlin that plan
Of action had been decided upon to
return Danzig to Germany, of which
1T was part before the World War;
questions regarding details of the
plan, however, brought the response
that it was strategy to keep the 9TH
ers guessing"
Hitler to Attend Celebration.
Hitler. it was stated. still plans
to attend the celebration on August
q at Tannenberg, East Prussia. COM
memorating the 25th anniversary
of Hindenburg's and Ludendorff S
victory over the Russians in the
World War.
A government spokesman was
asked whether it was likely that
Danzig would be German before
then. His reply was shrug of the
shoulders.
1t could not be learned in Berlin
whether peace plan" by Premier
Mussolini of Italy was under dis
cussion at the conferences between
Hitler. Ciano and Won Ribbentrop.
One prominent Nazi, however
who went to Salzburg for the
Rome Berlin axis talks. said that
solutions of the greatest importance
and of worldwide repercussions
were agreed upon.
Notified of Invita- ton.
Britain as member of the League
Committee of three responsible for
Danzig affairs, was notified conf
dentially of the invitation from Hit
ler a few hours before Burckhardt
left Danzig Friday
Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax
returned to the foreign Office after
q week end at his Yorkshire home
Callers at the foreign office in
cluded the Turkish Ambassador
Tevfik Rustu Aras, and the French
Charge d'Affaires, Roger Cambon
Several of the London papers pub
lished rumors of various plans,
purportedly from continental sources
looking toward possible "nego-
tiated settlement" of Europe's
problems. None had confirmation
in London.
The British Government mean
while kept close watch on the Eu-
ropean situation for possible de-
- ue1ay,veA ants iv, the u,~l> - 49, H>r