MR CHAMBERLAIN ARRIVES IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 11

MR CHAMBERLAIN ARRIVES IN GERMANY

Intended Personal Interview With Herr Hitler

Relations

tlijlitia CKCSI ASSOCIATION—COPTEIGHT.}

(Received September 16, Z a.m.)

Mr Chamberlain left No. 10 at 7.50 •jd. Even then a small crowd had gathered and this was cleared by the police in consequence of whispers of a Communist demonstration, for Which leaflets had been distributed - along - Wtarteha.ll, stating; “My to Benes, not to Hitler.” .

- Mr Chamberlain, wearing an overcpat, joined his two secretaries in the jar. He acknowledgedthe cheers to the end of Downing Street. ■■t. Waiting j. jit --Heaton - were - the Foreign;-. Secretary (Lord Halifax), tee German, Charge d’Affaires, Dr. Kordt, and - First : Secretary, Baron Von Sel.

“A perfect morning—perhaps it is m good omen,” said Lord Halifax who had a few words with Mr Chamberlain before he entered the aeroplane.

Among those who bade farewell to Mr Chamberlain were Lady Halifax, Lord Cadogan. and Lord Brocket, the latter fresh from Nuremberg Mr Chamberlain was in the best of spirits and chatted cordially with the Germans. Suddenly the Marquis of Londonderry arrived and handed over a slip of paper to Mr Chamberlain, who was obviously amused. As he entered the aeroplane a. small group behind - the barrier chanted; •Viva Czechoslovakia.”. Gleaming silver in the brilliant sunshine, the Lockheed Electra airliner, which is capable of a speed of .225 miles an hour, piloted by Commander C. N..Pelly and Commander D. S. King, took off perfectly. The

machine scintillated like a diamond

as. it. headed, east, accompanied by shouts of “Good luck,” and “Well done.”

As a symptom Of the intense public interest the whole approach to the airport was lined with an unbroken avenue of private motor-cars. Mr Chamberlain did not see the King, who arrived at Euston Station at 7.48 a.m.

Speaking into the microphone before embarking, Mr Chamberlain said: “I am going to meet the Chancellor because the situation seems to be oDp in which personal conversations might have useful consequences. My policy, is always to try to ensure peace. The Fuhrer’s ready acceptance of. my suggestion encourages me to hope that the visit will not be without result.” The crowd loudly cheered the statement.

Dr. Kordt expressed good wishes and God speed and congratulations on Mr Chamberlain’s “magnanimous initiative.” Mr Chamberlain was not nervous:

on his first. flight. , He sat beside Sir

Horace Wilson at a long window giv--ing a clear view over the countryside.

It is understood that Mr Chamberlain has only a smattering of German and that Herr Hitler does not .speak English. Therefore Mr William Strang, a .counsellor in 'the British Foreign .interpreter on the British side.

7 ; The.aeroplane,is ; due to; .arrive 'at 1 Munich at 1 pan. ; Mr Chamberlain may travel from there in Herr .Hitler’s personal aeroplane to his, private aerodrome at Qbersalzburg. 1C miles from Berchtesgaden,. where -aspecial bodyguard of Black Guards has been ordered during the whole

of Mr Chamberlain’s stay, 'Last night’s decision to make the▼isit was conveyed to, and, it is

hopes FOR finding PEACEFUL sotunoN

Unprecedented Step in International

LONDON, September 15.

The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) left Heston aerodrome at 8.56 a.m. to-day for Berchtesgaden, where he will have a persona! interview with Herr Sich-S n J«e„ dSpu!ef n ‘ * Pe,Ce,Ul Solu,ion o£

Mr Chamberlain arrived at Munich for lunch and was given an enthusiastic reception. It is expected he will continue to Berchtesgaden by train.

Mr Chamberlain’s intention to make the visit was from No. 10 Downing Street at 9.15 p.m. yesterday. Imd was warmly received by the - large crowd which Md waited outside for the best part of the night.

Mr Chamberlain sent to Herr Hitler, through the British Ambassador in Berlin (Sir Nevile Henderson), the following message:

“In view of the increasingly critical situation, I propose to come over at once to see you with a view to trying to find solution.

I propose to come by air, and I am ready to start tomorrow. Please indicate the earliest time at which you can see me, and suggest a place of meeting. I should be grateful for a very early reply.”

.. rr re Pli e d that he was “very ready” to meet Mr Chamberlain, to-morrow. The meeting will be at Berchtcsgaden.

Simultaneously with the official announcement from Downing Street, German broadcast listeners heard music interrupted for Mr Chamberlain’s visit to be announced.

BY CABINET

LONDON, September 14.

NOTE PREPARED

ILS. AMBASSADOR CALLS AT DOWNING STREET

JOINT DECLARATION URGED ON BRITAIN

(Received September 15, 9.55 a.m.)

The Cabinet met for two and a half hours, during which the United States Ambassador (Mr Joseph P. Kennedy) called at No. 10 Downing Street and spoke to Mr Chamberlain.

- It is understood "that the Cabinet has drawn up a Note ready to send to Herr Hitler as a last resort, but it is still hoped that the preponderant power of the democracies will compel Germany to accept a peaceful solution.

Russia and France are pressing Britain for a firm joint declaration of warning to Berlin. It is understood that Cabinet still believes that this might provoke the very situation which, it is desired to avoid. French military, air and naval attaches conferred at Whitehall. It is officially denied that the French war chiefs are coming to London for consultation.

The Japanese Acting-Ambassador called at the Foreign Office and - expressed Japan’s solidarity with Germany. -

understood, was approved by, the Opposition leaders and France. When the communique was issued 50 journalists, representing all countries, -dashed- frantically through Whitehall to flash to all parts of the world the news which startled Europe. , The crowd sensed a big decision and sWarmed round the telephone booths endeavouring to overhear the messages. As the significance of the decision dawned on the crowd they, cheered and shouted “Good Old Chamberlain!”- Finally, the police were forced to move the crowd to release the journalists, who were imprisoned within. This is the first flight which Mr Chamberlain'has made.

The Paris correspondent of Reuters states that the decision was reached after a telephone talk with “the ; French Prime Minister (M. 'Daladier).' : The decision caused a sensation in German political circles, which attach to it the greatest importance. A Wilhelmstrasse spokesman said, “We expect much from the visit in the interests' of /European' peace: This unusual step, which is particu* larly appreciated, shows that Britain, too, recognises the seriousness of the situation:”

Diplomatic circles regard the decision as ah act of great personal courage and the last possible hope of a peaceful solution by neutral Powers. They declare that Mr Chamberlain is stooping to conquer. The ; hews of .Mr Chamberlain’s decision electrified the people of Prague. Special editions of the newspapers were bought, up eagerly. It is not generally believed that Mr Chamberlain will propose a plebiscite, but he is expected to indicate British approval. It is considered that he will reiterate his opposition to a military solution.