CZECH ATTITUDE TO PLAN

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22513, 22 September 1938, Page 11

CZECH ATTITUDE TO PLAN

Reported Acceptance By Cabinet

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

WITHHELD

(Received September 21. 11.55 p.m.

LONDON. September 21

A communique issued in Prague states that the Czechoslovakian Government has communicated to the French and British Ministers in -Prague a Note which sets forth its attitude on the French and British proposals. The Czech attitude makes possible further diplomatic negotiations in the spirit of conciliation which the Czech Government • has always shown.

An official announcement in Prague said the Cabinet rose at 9 a.m. No statement was made, and it is expected that a decision will be announced this afternoon.

The Paris correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Agency says the Czech Cabinet has accepted the British and French plan unconditionally, according to a radio message from Prague. The Prague correspondent of the Exchange Agency says that unconfirmed reports state that the Note v suggests that the matter will be decided under the Treaty of Arbitration, which was concluded between Czechoslovakia and Germany as part of the Locarno Treaty, and which was reaffirmed by Germany on her reoccupation of, the Rhineland. This means that the Czechs wish to submit the matter to any of the following' bodies mentioned in the treaty: (1) The International Committee of Arbitration at The Hague. (2) A mixed commission, consisting of one German, one Czech, and three neutrals. , _ .. (3) The permanent Arbitration Commission. * . - An official broadcast stated: "With regard to the contents of the Note to France and Britain, it is learned that the Czechs will ask France and Britain to weigh carefully the proposals regarding the cession of frontier regions to Germany. The Government explains its attitude and rejections to certain points in the French and British proposals.” . ~ _ , Official circles fear that the Czech Genera] Staff will be to approve of handing over the £40.000.000 fortifications in Sudetenland. and that they may revolt against the Czech Government if the Anglo-French plan is accepted. The “Daily Telegraph” understands that the Czechs are inquiring whether France and Britain have considered- certain factors, including the nation’s defences, costing p. 50 000,000, which would be of no further service to , Czechoslovakia and how her finances can be maintained if she is deprived of the revenue from anv ceded territory. It is also stated, that the main lines of transport would cross German territory after partition.

POSITION OF THE

SOVIET

UNOFFICIAL AID MAY

BE GIVEN

LONDON, September 20,

‘ The Geneva correspondent of the British United Press states that it is authoritatively Teamed that Russia will adhere to the CzechRussian Treaty binding the Soviet to intervene only if France assists the Czechs, but it is believed that if France does not fight' the Soviet will give the Czechs unofficial aid similar to that given to Spain and China.