CALM JUDGMENT URGED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22504, 12 September 1938, Page 9

CALM JUDGMENT URGED

CZECH PRESIDENT’S

APPEAL

“UTMOST WILL BE DONE

FOR PEACE”

ACTIONS ACCELERATED BY WORLD EVENTS (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received September 11, 9 p.m.) PRAGUE, September 10. The President (Dr. Benes), in a broadcast address, appealed for calm judgment. He refrained from referring to the international situation and emphasised Czechoslovakia’s peaceful and progressive development. Dr. Benes added that world events compelled Czechoslovakia to accelerate her actions, but her spirit had not altered. “We are endeavouring,” he said, “to satisfy the claims of both the State’s nationalities while guaranteeing the individual against the whole, the minority against the majority, each receiving the maximum degree of political justice in the spirit of true democracy. “For this reason we have presented our latest proposals. We want to establish good relations with our neighbours, especially Greater Germany, proving to America and Europe, especially Britain and France, that we understand we shall have to fulfil the duties imposed on us by the general collaboration. We must re-establish confidence and cooperation between the two great nationalities of our Republic to ensure the peaceful development ion which we are working, not only in the interests of Europe and the world, but of our own towns, factories, and families. “Circumstances compel us to be the first people to make a just settlement of the nationalities’ problem, but we shall not be the last. The solution entails sacrifices, but we are determined to do our utmost for peace. “I have unshakable faith in our State, its powers, its resistance, its magnificent army, and its invincible spirit. My optimism is stronger than over.” General Air of Confidence There is a general air of confidence among the public in Prague, and no excitement is discernible. A Sudeten delegation asked the Prime Minister (Dr. Hcdza) to elucidate certain points in the proposals. The next meeting of the negotiators has been fixed for September 13.

FEAR OF FURTHER CONCESSIONS “CZECHOSLOVAKIA A SECOND SPAIN ?” PROTESTS IN MANY PARTS OF COUNTRY (Received September 10, 2 p.m.) LONDON, September 9. The Prague correspondent of the “News-Chronicle” states that there is a grave danger that if the Czechoslovakian Government is forced to make further concessions the country will become a second Spain. Supporters of the President (Dr. Benes) fear that further compromises may mean that a revolt will break out against fielding to Germany. Dr. Tiso, the leader of the Slovak autonomists, declared that the claim by the Henlein Party of the solidarity of the minorities was misleading. The meeting was merely informative.

M. Sidor, the extremist deputyleader of the Slovak autonomists, .in reply to Dr. Tiso, stated that he was prepared to make common cause with the Sudetens. The Prague correspondent of the British United Press states that 5000 Sudeteps protested at the Jagernforf police station against the authorities' order for the private interment of an alleged spy who committed suicide. A Sudeten deputy interceded and obtained a public funeral. „ , , , Herr Kundt and Herr Rosche have presented Dr. Hodza with a memorandum regarding the arrests of Sudetens. The memorandum alleges maltreatment and a denial of civil rights. , ~ Dr. Hodza has informed the Sudetens that the Government has dismissed and arrested M. • Baca, Police Director at Mahrisch-Ostrau. Similar action has been taken in the case of the police officers who are accused of mishandling those arrested, and the policeman who is accused of striking a deputy with his whip. It is believed that this will clear up the incident. Communiques from the Czechs and the Sudetens state that the Mahrisch-Ostrau incident is now liquidated. The Czech communique states: “Establishment of impediments to the resumption of negotiations has been removed. The explanation from the Prime Minister of the measures adopted in Mahrisch-Ostrau has completely satisfied the Sudetens, who have agreed to renew negotiations tomorrow for a solution of the nationality problem.” The communique adds that M. Baca, the Police Commissioner, and the policeman who struck the deputy requested their own suspension and disciplinary action for the purpose of an investigation, to which the Government had agreed. The increasing demand for tinned and other.preservable goods reveals the Czechs’ anxiety for the future. In the meantime, deputations of Czech peasants, civil servants, shopkeepers, and youth organisations continue to urge the Government to remain firm. Protests against concessions to the Sudetens continue to pour in. Meetings are being held throughout the country demanding that no further concessions bfe offered.