CZECHS CLASSED AS GERMANS

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

CZECHS CLASSED AS GERMANS

Status Defined By Proclamation PRAGUE, March 16. Preceded by a fanfare of trumpets", the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop, on behalf of Herr Hitler, made the following proclamation today, which was broadcast to Germany:— “For thousands of years the Bohemian and Moravian lands have belonged to an .area necessary for the existence of the German people. By force and with lack of understanding they were wilfully torn from their historical setting by their inclusion in the artificial structure of Czechoslovakia, ami became a source of continual unrest, and danger, which increased every year. “This condition was Hie result of a new threat to European peace, inasmuch as the Czech Slate had not succeeded in organizing in a reasonable maimer the co-operation of the different national groups which were forcibly joined to the Stale. That State proved its internal inability to survive, and consequently it has now fallen to pieces.” The Czechs in future, said Herr von Ribbentrop, would be. classed as German citizens. Io whom the Nuremberg laws would apply. Bohemia and Moravia would be included in Greater Germany as an autonomous protectorate enjoying customs union with the Reich, “Germany cannot allow disturbances in tliis region, which is most import ant for Germany's safety, in addition to European peace anil welfare," lie went on. “It is in accordance will) Ihe law of self-preservation Ilia I Germany Ims determined to re-esl .-i I> I isli decisively a basis of reasonable order in Central Europe. Her 1000 yenrs of liislory have proved that she alone is c.-iiled on to solve the problem."

The proelaimilion added ibnt the members of I lie Government of the protectorate would be confirmed by the Protector of Hie Reich, who must lie informed of all activities of the local Government and who would advise on policy questions and over-ride measures which did not conform with Germany’s economic, political and military iieeils Foreign aliairs ,would be coni rolled from Berlin. Germany would maintain garrisons and military posts throughout the protectorate. Transport, the Post Office and the currency would be supervised by Germany.