FORMAL RESIGNATION OF CZECH CABINET

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22514, 23 September 1938, Page 13

FORMAL RESIGNATION OF CZECH CABINET

In the meantime Mr Chamberlain has arrived in Germany on his way to meet Herr Hitler at Godesberg. It is reported that among Mr Chamberlain’s proposals are an international commission to mark the new Czech frontiers, immediate demobilisation, and guarantees of the frontiers of the new Czech State.

Poland and Hungary continue to press their demands for a settlement of their minority claims against Czechoslovakia. The Polish Government has announced that it reserves “full freedom of action.” Demonstrations against the Czechs have occurred in both these countries.

Relief at the Czechs’ acceptance of the proposed settlement is mingled in Europe with apprehension of possible complications through the demands of Poland and Hungary, and through uncertainty about issue of the talks at Godesberg. The Labour and Liberal parties in Britain have strongly condemned Mr Chamberlain’s policy; but it is widely held that the British-French proposals were the only alternative to war. This view is expressed in the United States, where, however, a gloomy view is taken of the possible effects on the position of Britain and France. In Czechoslovakia demonstrations of national feeling have occurred. Bitterness is expressed in - Prague against the settlement unwillingly accepted from the Western democracies. In the Sudeten areas it is reported that Sudeten * Germans have taken over the police service. The Nazi flag flies over the towns. Minor incidents are reported.'.; ■ v ,

MR CHAMBERLAIN IN COLOGNE

BRITISH LABOUR PROTEST

HUMILIATION AT CZECH , STATEMENT

REPORTED PLAN FOR SETTLEMENT «<NEW MAP OF EUROPE” FROM HITLER? INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION QN FRONTIERS

“TRADITIONS OF DEMOCRACY

DISHONOURED”

And Britain

(Received September 22, 8.10 p.m.)

LONDON, September 22. A joint meeting of The General Council of the Trades Union Congress. the National Executive of the Labour Party, and the executive committee of the Parliamentary Labour Party issued the following manifesto: ' “This meeting, representing the British Labour movement, read with profound humiliation the statement of the Czechoslovakian Government that it was forced to accept the British-French proposals by irresistible pressure. This a shameful surrender to threats by Herr Hitler. “Britain’s long-established traditions of democracy and justice have been dishonoured. This dishonour will not bring peace. There is no longer a frontier in Europe safe. Herr Hitler’s present triumph will be the starting point for f urth_r warlike which must lead to eeneral conflict-” , The National Council of Labour is conducting a campaign throughout the country to protest against the plan for settling the Sudeten problem. A mass demonstration will be held in London .on September 26.

(pallia run hiociatio* —coptiioht.)

[(Received September 23, 12.35 a.m.)

LONDON, September 22.

' Mr Chamberlain took off from Heston for Godesberg to meet Herr Hitler at 10.48 a.m.. and arrived at Cologne at 12.27 p.m. . . ; “The Times” says it is understood that Mr Chamberlain is taking the following proposals to Herr Hitler at Godesberg:—

A (1) An internatioMl commisH tion for the demarcation of new frontiers for Czechoslovakia and for the exchange and transfer oi populations.

(2) Immediate demobilisation.

(3) A joint appeal from Herr Hitler and all parties concernett .'for peace and order in the Interval necessary to put Into effect any agreement reached.

(4) Certain guarantees, including economic, guarantees, for the maintenance of the inv A tegrity of the new Czechoslovak

‘ The Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” is informed that the talks between Mr Chamberlain and Herr Hitler at Godesberg will be divided into two parts. To-day will be devoted to the German claim to recover the Sudeten Germans, and" to-morrow the question of satisfying the Polish and Hungarian demands and. the disposal of what is : .left of Czechoslovakia will be discussed. The special correspondent of the •Vews-Chronicle” in Berlin claims good authority for stating that Herr Hitler will to-morrbw present Mr Chamberlain with a .new map OI Europe and insist on the' Western Powers’ acceptance of what, in ‘ effect; means the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia, the final plans for which Were completed at Berchtesgadtn yesterday. These plans will

reduce Czechoslovakia to a mere “island” round Prague. Herr Hitler is said to have stated that the vital obstacle had d“®P' peared with the surrender of Britain arid France. It is considered that their concession is it is now possible for Herr Hitler to force further ones if he desires. I? is stated that Mr Chamberlain s visit will now be a pleasant social CclH* Mr Chamberlain will be accompanied to Godesberg by Sir Horace Wilson, Mr William Strang, Sir William Malkin, legal adviser to the Foreign Office and one secretaries, Mr G. P. Humphrey DaVieS> ..T ' The Paris newspaper, Le Petit Journal,” states; “We, believe that Herr Hitler, at Godesberg. will be the spokesman, not only for ™e Sudetens, but also for the other Czech minorities. It appears that o united front has been formed by Berlin, Budapest, and Warsaw. Erfaployees in factories and offices in Cologne have been giyen a holiday and are instructed to line the route to cheer Mr Chamberlain. A Union Jack has been hoisted at one end. and a swastika flag at the other over the Petersberg Hotel jn the Mils above Koemgswintex, where Mr Chamberlain will stay. Herr Hitler will stay at the Hotel Dresden in the next village of Niederdollendorf.

British-French Proposals Accepted MR CHAMBERLAIN’S PLANS FOR MEETING WITH HITLER Poland and Hungary Continue to Press Demands Following the reluctant acceptance of the British and French proposals by Czechoslovakia, the Czech Government has formally resigned. It will continue in office till a National Government is formed.

DEMONSTRATIONS IN PRAGUE

Feeling Against Prance

ACTS 'OF VIOLENCE BY SUDETENS

(Received September 22, 10.30 p.m.)

LONDON, September 22.

The Prague correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says that crowds, shouting, “Long live the Army,” “Long live Russia,” and “Long live Benes,” • are demonstrating throughout Prague. So far, order has been maintained.

The Prague correspondent of the British United Press says that crowds booed and hissed outside hotels largely patronised by British and French visitors. Strong forces of police kept demonstrators from Stepanski street, in which stands the Hotel Alcron, headquarters of the Runciman mission. Five times the crowds tried to penetrate the street, shouting, “We will show the English what we think!” Reuters special correspondent on the German-Czech frontier says that the Nazi flag is now flying over Czech towns throughout Sudetenland. ' ~

Crowds of Sudetens stormed the Czech Customs house at Asch, disarmed the officials and led them to Germany. Afterwards they took possession of the Asch police station and placed the police under lock and key.

Similar incidents are reported from other Sudeten centres. The German official news agency at Berlin reports that the Czech authorities are evacuating Eger. A Prague message says that 100,000 copies of a leaflet circulated by influential parliamentarians of all parties urged citizens to hold fast and defend their frontiers, and also urged the President (Dr. Benes) to take the direction of affairs into his own hands, relying on the full support of the nation. Reuters correspondent at Asch reports the mass migration of youths to the Germans to join the Sudeten _ Free Corps. The Paris newspapers give prominence to reports stating that menacing news from the Reich indicated the encirclement of the Czechs by German arms. There are now. 25 German divisions ready to ' penetrate Czechoslovakia if no peaceful solution is reached-. —.