BRIEF RESPITE IN EUROPEAN CRISIS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22516, 26 September 1938, Page 11

BRIEF RESPITE IN EUROPEAN CRISIS

German Memorandum Submitted to Prague

CZECH GOVERNMENT COMPLETES MOBILISATION Occupation of Sudeten Areas to Begin on October 1 With the return of Mr Chamberlain to London from his meeting with Herr Hitler, it is felt that the Czechoslovakian crisis has received some respite after a night of great anxiety- Except for various minor incidents on the Czech frontier, Europe appears to be calm but expectant and prepared for any eventuality.

It is reported that Herr Hitler submitted a memorandum to Mr Chamberlain containing the German proposals for the carrying out by the Czechs of the evacuation of the Sudeten areas. This was accompanied by a statement that there would be no resort to force before October 1, but that the German occupation would begin on that date.

Mr Chamberlain has transmitted these terms to Prague, where they are being considered by the Czech Government. It is reported that no pressure is being exerted upon Czechoslovakia by Britain and France.

The Czech Government has completed its general mobilisation, while it is reported that more than one million French troops have been called to the colours and are prepared for action.

MR CHAMBERLAIN

berlain a memorandum outlining the Government's attitude towards the situation in Sudetenland, which he is conveying to the Czechs. An Assurance Requested It is unofficially understood in London that Mr Chamberlain requested an assurance from Herr Hitler thai there would be no incursion of German troops into Czechoslovakia during the talks. Mr Chamberlain is fully acquainted with the feeling aroused by rumours of capitulation to Herr Hitler, and he is believed to be taking a firm stand against any concessions beyond the cession of Sudetenland. It is understood that the majority of Cabinet support Mr Chamberlain. Mr Chamberlain received Herr Hitler's reply to his letter at 3.35. A fast car carrying the interpreter, Herr Schmidt, rushed Herr' Hitlers reply to Mr Chamberlain. -■ Mr Chamberlain's visit to Herr Hitler lasted 170 minutes. Foreign observers interpret the length of the conversation favourably. Mr Chamberlain told journalists at Godesberg: "I am submitting certain proposals to Czechoslovakia. Asked whether the international situation was hopeless, he replied: "We cannot say it's hopeless; it depends on them." Mr Chamberlain, on entering his hotel, said: "You can't call this a complete breakdown." The official German news agency states: "The friendly conversations between the Fuhrer and Mr Chamberlain ended with the presentation of a German memorandum on the final attitude to the situation in the Sudeten German territory, which Mr Chamberlain undertook to transmit to Czechoslovakia. The Fuhrer expressed personal and national gratitude for Mr Chamberlains efforts towards peace." The Godesberg correspondent oi "The Times" reports that German circles state that Herr Hitler has promised not to use force for a few days while Mr Chamberlain submits the German memorandum to Czechoslovakia. It is understood that it proposes a scheme for the progressive evacuation of Sudetenland by the Czechs and the readjustment of the forces of occupation. GAS MASKS FOR KING AND QUEEN? PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFETY OF CIVILIANS (BBTOSH omOAX. WIMMM.) KUGBY, September 23. The "Daily Telegraph" understands, that arrangements will be SadVin a few days Royal household, probably including King George and Queen Elizabeth, with civilian gas masks. It is reported that the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their household are already fitted. , , Fourteen centres in Central ana West London have been opened for thf equipment of 120,000 inhabitaThe "Daily Herald," according to a Press Association message, states that the national air raid precau+£r,c rnarhinerv with ramifications meveTy town and village throughoutth/ country, has been set in officials are speeding utTaSanaements for the safety .of riviSns and local authorities throughout the country have urgently ordered supplies of gasmasks. The Willesden* Corporation has taken delivery of 210,000 gasmasks and 600,000 sandbags.

RETURNS

Meeting of Cabinet

Galled

"GREAT EFFORTS NEEDED

FOR PEACE"

(rJTITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.)

(Received September 25, 10 p.m.)

LONDON, September 24.

Mr Chamberlain left Cologne at 11.20 a.m., looking fresh and cheerful. As he left - Cologne, he told the German Foreign Minister (Herr von Rlbbentrop) that he had slept well. He arrived at Heston at 1.14 p.n«; fit and smiling. He was received by the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax), the German Embassy Counsellor (Dr. Kordt), and the French Ambassador (M. Charles Corbin). He said: My first duty is to report to the British and French Governments the results of my mission. Until that is done, it would be difficult to say anything concerning it. I will only say this that I trust that all concerned will continue their efforts to solve the Czechoslovakian problem peacefully, because on that turns the peace of Europe in our time." Dr. Kordt stepped forward and said: "My sympathies are with you in your gigantic effort." Mr Chamberlain was loudly cheered on his arrival at Downing Street.

"A Gnve Responsibility" He later issued a statement that last night's communique was an agreed communique. "I am not in a position at present," he said, "to add to it. I shall immediately consult my colleagues in London. There is a grave responsibility on all concerned during the next few days to consider with the greatest care the issues at stake. We must still make great efforts to save the peace of Eur°Mr'chamberlain summoned the Cabinet, which rose at 7.35 p-nx, ana will meet again on Sunday morning. Mr Chamberlain met Herr Hitler at 11 p.m. and left him at 1.25^a-m The Berlin correspondent of the "News-Chronicle" states thai: tne German press ti rade s against Czechoslovakia, also threats to inarch in, are not «*««»?: ent opinions of °vei™ught editors, but propaganda deliber ately diffused by the Government. From the contemptuous tone m which intelligent people denounce Britain's spineless surrender it w clear that any Nazi scruples about inarching are gone with the wind. The Godesberg correspondent or Wie "Daily Mail" states * h ?,L f hi Chamberlain evidently felt that he could not put himself in a position in which he might still be negotiating while the Germans were occupying Sudetenland. Consequently, he lent a letter to Herr Hitler again urging German moderation. The thunder of heavy artillery was clearly heard at Mr Chamberlain's hotel during the morning, a was explained that the troops were merely carrying out normal manoeuvres. ~ . . _ nf It is believed that the burden of Mr Chamberlain's letter was the report that German formations were mingling with the Free Corps on the Czech frontier. In German eyes, this is not regarded occupation, but Mr Chamberlain ■ealised the danger of the talks comfcg to a swift and sudden end. A Joint official ecmimu»q»e states *Mt Herr Hitler handed.Mr Cham-