MOMENTOUS STEP PRAISED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22509, 17 September 1938, Page 17

MOMENTOUS STEP PRAISED

NEWSPAPER COMMENT

IN LONDON

"INTERRUPTED NEGOTIATIONS

MAY BE RESUMED"

(bej-jsh official wireless.) | (Received September 16, 11.25 a.m.) RUGBY, September 15. The immediate effect of the news of Mr Chamberlain's visit to Herr Hitler has been to relieve the tension. It can be stated that Mr Chamberlain went to Germany without taking any preconceived plan and without having reached any definite conclusion as to the best possible solution of the problem in Czechoslovakia.

The London newspapers devote their leading articles to Mr Chamberlain's unprecedented action, and praise him for taking such a momentous step and bold course. "The Times" states: "No doubt he had his ideas, which will be frankly unfolded to Herr Hitler, and no doubt his journey would not have been undertaken unless there seemed to him at least to be a reasonable prospect of an agreement in principle, but the visit will be first and foremost the occasion of a full and frank conversation, the outcome of which is less likely to be a complete solution than renewal of the interrupted negotiations. "It follows that nobody now need despairingly to conclude that the impasse in the negotiations in Prague is final. Whether or not they will be taken up between Berlin and other European capitals it is obviously too early to say, but it certainly seems probable that the head of the German Government, who hitherto has appeared as an impalpable but all-important figure in the background, will take his proper place as one of the principals. Nor does it seem likely that the invaluable service of Lord Runciman will not be invoked again."

Weight of Responsibility

The "Daily Telegraph" regards the visit as a supreme bid for peace. The whole of the British press recognises that the "weight of responsibility that rests on Mr Chamberlain is matched by the scope of the opportunity. A Press Association message says that with the exception of a few fragments of German indignation and shootings at Eger. events in Czechoslovakia have receded into insignificance beside Mr Chamberlain's unparalleled act of statesmanship. It has fired the imagination of Britain, caused a sigh of relief in France, nonplussed Prague, and tremendously impressed Germany, that, at 69. Mr Chamberlain, making his first flight, set off on his journey looking fitter and more light-hearted than for weeks. The evening papers in Berlin print a proclamation announcing Mr Chamberlain's arrival.

Commenting on it, the "Boersen Zeitung" states: "It is hoped that the proposals of the English statesman will provide a suitable end to the dreadful situation which bloodthirsty, raging Czech soldiers have brought to the Sudetens. There is no time to lose." The Australian Associated Press states that official circles in London guardedly welcome Mr Chaniberiain's dramatic idea, which was not suggested by the Prime Minister of France (M. Daladier), as has been reported. It is frankly recognised as a bold but tremendous gamble, the success or failure of which is dependent on the bargaining powers of Sir Horace Wilson. This is strengthened by the announcement that the Committee of Imperial Defence met this morning, when the Chief of the General Staff (General Lord Gort), the Secretary of State for War (Mr L. Hore-Belisha), the Secretary of State for Air (Sir Kingslev Wood), the Home Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare), and the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) were present. In Prague, though Mr Chamberlain's mission is praised as bold and dramatic, it is tinged with suspicion and anxiety lest a settlement is. to. a certain degree, at the expense of Czechoslovakia. It is felt that the crisis can only be solved either by war or what would virtually amount to amputation. Herr Kundt. the Sudeten deputy, summed up the Sudeten view by pointing to a newspaper announcement of Mr Chamberlain's visit. He said: "This is the important news All the rest is immaterial." The French, press highly praises Mr Chamberlain. .

The Budapest newsoapers take up the. demand for a plebiscite. The announcement of Mr Chamberlain's move caused the deepest impression throughout Poland. It has already been suggested that he is worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize even if his mission fails. A communique issued at the Vatican states that Mr Chamberlain's initiative has created the best impression at the Vatican.

IN THE EVENT OF WAR

OPPOSITION OFFERS ITS CO-OPERATION

fFrom Our Parliamentary Reporter.]

.WELLINGTON, September 16

An assurance that in" the event of the British Commonwealth being involved in war, the Government, coukf rely on the full co-operation of the Opposition to see that New Zealand faced up to its responsibility, was given by the Leader of the Opposition (the Hon v A. Hamilton) when the valedictory speeches were .being given in the House of Representatives this afternoon. "The news from abroad is grave in these days, and in the event of Great Britain being involved we, as an Opposition, offer our full co-op-eration to the Government in seeing that New Zealand does its full duty, and takes its full share of responsibility as a unit of the Empire," said Mr Hamilton. "We all-hope that wiser counsels will prevail, and that the war clouds will pass away; but if there should he trouble, the Govi ernment may rely on loyal support from the Opposition."