FEELING RUNS HIGH

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 148, 18 March 1939, Page 11

FEELING RUNS HIGH

Czechs Antagonistic To Germans

WAVE OF SUICIDES IN PRAGUE Thousands Arrested Or Sent To Concentration Camps By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. LONDON, March 16. Reports from the Czech provinces indicate that the general attitude of the people is extremely antagonistic, and that feeling is running high.- In all the towns and villages people refuse to salute the German flag. A wave of suicides followed the German occupation of Prague, those who took their own lives including the British Vice-Consul, Dr. von Neumark, and the head of the Czech broadcasting service, Dr. Melnik. It is estimated that 5000 arrests liave been made in Prague. _ Between 3000 and 4000 Czech political refugees are already en route to concentration camps. Herr Hitler appeared on the balcony of Hradzin Palace this morning. Thousands of German residents wildly cheered. Herr Hitler later left Prague but his destination was not disclosed. The Prague correspondent of the British United Press says that Dr. Hacha is remaining President of Moravia for the time being, but General Gadja proclaims himself head of the temporary Government committee. The Germans "are taking over the Czechoslovak Legations throughout Europe. The foreign legations at Prague are closing. Swastika Flags in Prague. There are 200,000 German troops throughout the country, of which there are between 20,000 and 30,000 in Prague. Nevertheless, troop movements to Prague have practically ceased. The main thoroughfares are gay with swastika flags. At Mistek the Czech garrison resisted the Germans, refusing to surrender their arms. Eleven Germans and three Czechs were killed. There was a similar incident at Frydek, 17 Czechs being killed. The German losses there are unknown. The Prague correspondent of “The Times” states that 19 divisions (270,000 men) are engaged in the occupation of Bohemia and Moravia, and that other troops are marching steadily through Slovakia toward the Polish border. Minor affrays are understood to have occurred, without casualties, between the Germans and Poles who are confronting them at some points.