REACTIONS IN EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 11

REACTIONS IN EUROPE

“NO WAR, NO PEACE YET” POSITIVE VIEWS NOT EXPRESSED NEGOTIATIONS WITH CZECHS OVERSHADOWED (united press association —coptiuout.i (Received September 14, 12.3 a.m.) LONDON September 13. From European capitals expressions of reaction to Herr Hitler’s speech and implications taken from it are flooding in, temporarily overshadowing the resumption of the Czech-Sudeten negotiations which are the next move in the crisis. The general impression is, “No war. No peace yet.” Passages in Herr Hitler’s speech have given the impression in Geneva that the situation is not yet really eased and that the next month will be fraught with anxiety. Italy looks on the speech as outstandingly moderate. “Popolo DTtalia” says that the way out is to cut the Gordian knot by a plebiscite. As for Italy her policy lies in complete adhesion to the German claims.

M. Blum, in an article in to-day's “Populaire,” says that Herr Hitler’s speech is not an ultimatum rendering a coup de force inevitable. “It may make negotiations difficult, but it does not prevent them. A military invasion of Czechoslovakia seems arrested; but the danger has taken on a new shape daily.

“Herr Hitler will now attempt at infiltration from within.”

“Le Jour” says that tne aim of the Germans is anschluss with the Suddens by avoiding bloodshed, thanks to the resignation of those interested.

Mr G. Ward Price at Nuremberg savs that he understands that Herr Hitler intends to insist on a plebiscite. If an agreement is not reached at Prague on the iaoint within a

fortnight there is a prospect that the Reichstag will be summoned somewhere near the Czech frontier to hear another pronouncement by the Fuhrer.

Japan regards the speech as leaving the way open for a peaceful settlement. “Hands off Czechoslovakia” Crowds in London snatched special editions of the newspapers from the vendors and excitedly dis- ' cussed Herr Hitler’s words. Mounted police were called in to keep them I moving. The crowd cheered goodhumouredly, but there were many shouts of “Hands off Czechoslovakia!” The Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax), the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain), the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon), and the Home Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare) meet at No. 10 to-night to examine Herr Hitler’s speech.

! The Czech Cabinet met to consider Herr Hitler’s speech. Cabinet is most anxious that the public order should not be disturbed in the next few days lest “incidents” be construed by Germany as giving cause for violent measures of retaliation. The Czechoslovakian Government, in an urgent message to the Western Powers, states that a plebiscite is out of the question, as there is a risk of plunging the nation into chaos Recent plebiscites, it is claimed, show that a plebiscite would more likely be an occasion for terrorism.

The Paris correspondent of “The Times” states that a spokesman stated that Herr Hitler’s speech had not changed anything, but was not reassuring.

All Communist demonstrations in the Sudeten regions have been prohibited.

A bombproof shelter is being constructed at the United States Legation in Prague. Germany at the last minute withdrew her delegates from the International Statistical Conference at Prague. Leports are being received both in London and Paris of renewed troop movements on the frontiers. Members of the French Cabinet, after a meeting, issued a communique stating that the nation’s calm patriotism and the colonies’ faithfulness were useful for defence and peace. The Paris correspondent of the British United Press states that

Cabinet examined the wartime economic possibilities and learned that supplies of fuel and basic necessities assured that France would not be caught short of supplies in a similar manner to 1914.

The Prime Minister (M. Daladier) held a conference with the army chiefs’ when he reviewed the military measures taken and outlined the steps that could be taken in an emergency..

The Brussels correspondent of the British United Press states that the Belgian Army has completed its frontier precautions. All strategic roads and railways can be blown up in the event of an enemy attempting to cross the border.

A message from Berne states that tae Military Department has ordered the loading of frontier mines with explosives, the firing of which would sever communications with foreign countries.

A message from Belgrade states that the Czechoslovakian Legation has been besieged by Jugoslavs desiring to volunteer in the Czech army, including not only young men, but thousands of war veterans.