CZECH PURGE HAS ALL ELEMENTS OF TERROR.

Chronicle (Levin), 5 March 1948, Page 5

CZECH PURGE HAS ALL ELEMENTS OF TERROR.

(N.Z.P.A.S

-Reuter

Qcwuriafit)

Received Friday, 10.40 a.m. • ' PRAGUE^ March 4. Thousands who fear persecution because of their knowli opposition to Communism -have tried to cross the frontiei" from Czec hos'l o vakia into the American -zone of Germany, according to unofficial reports. Armed workers and militiamen, and trained dogs, have reinforced the frontier guards.

Many students are reported to have seto out 'last weekend for "winter sports" in the western mountains, hoping to escape or help others to escape. Though the full facts are not yet available, the technique of the Communist! "revolution" is being careiatiy studied in Britain. An important part, it is pointed out; was taken, and continnes to be taken, by "action committees." Preparations for them had been made carefully in advance, and they were" called into action when the Communist Prime Minister, M. Gottwald, made his appeal. Their keynote, it is stated by the Manchester Guardian, was expressed •by General Svoboda in the menacing words: "Anyone who violates •imity and refuses to co-operate is harmful to the nation, and musti be eliminated. It is necessary toi destroy as quickly as possible, and| ruthlessly, all elements of dis-L * ruption, and to flnish what wej have to finish." The purge is continuing through every branch of life, adds the! Manchester Guardian. It is ac-1 companied by all the characteristics'of the terror, whether Jaco-j bin, Nazi, or Russian. Newspapers j have been suppressed and new! ones started, and long lists are given to journalists deprived of their' jobs. Twelve professors and three1 lecturers have been0 expelled from the Prague faculty of Philosophy alone.