REICH PROTECTOR

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 149, 20 March 1939, Page 9

REICH PROTECTOR

Control Of Bohemia And Moravia

HERR VON NEURATH APPOINTED By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received March 19, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 19. Herr von Neu rath has been appointed Reich Protector in Bohemia and Moravia. General Goeritfg has created a new command, including Bohemia, Moravia. Austria, Sudetenland, and Silesia, with headquarters in Vienna. The Prague correspondent of “The Times” states that M. Beran’s Cabinet has been confirmed as the Government of the Czech Protectorate under General Biaskowitz. Dr. Hacha declared that neither M. Gaida nor any other Fascist leader was entitled to negotiate with the- Germans. l’he Fascists’ manifestoes were invalid.

It is reported, but not confirmed, that ‘-’5O Czech officers have committed •suicide. Jewish suicides are apparently numerous.

The Berlin correspondent of I he British United Press says it is understood that Herr Hitler apprised Signor Mussolini by telephone from Prague of the progress of the negotiations concerning Czechoslovakia, ami received tin 1 Luce's congratulations. He informed Signor Mussolini from Berlin of the impending occupation when Dr. Hasim left tiie Chancellery. ( ■Well-informed people in Berlin estimate that 10,000 arrests have been made in Bohemia and Moravia. Herr Hitler has left Brunn for au undisclosed destination. possibly Vienna and then Bratislava. Vienna reports that Count Teleki, Premier of Hungary, will probably meet Herr Hitler in Vienna tomorrow. It is reported from Briinu (Slova-

kia) that Herr Hitler nja’de a triumphal entry and was enthusiastically cheered by Germans. Troops are pouring in Io participate in a review this afternoon. It. is stated that Herr Hitler is closely guarded and his movements kept as secret as possible. March Past In Prague. General von Sehweppenberg commanded a review of tanks and General Biaskowitz took the salute at a past in Prague, amid cheers by German spectators, Czechs being absent or silent. Thousands of prisoners have been sent to a concentration camp at Milovice. The head of the Slovak Press department, M. Pridavok, has been dismissed. and the Slovak Ministei of Propaganda. M. Mach, takes over Hie telegraphs unit the broadcasting system.

Herr Himmler, leader of the German Guard Troops, declared: "We have 10.001) arrests to make. A line of £417 has been decreed in all cases of profiteering in food and goods essential to agricultnie and industry. The Czech crown has been stabilized tit 10 crowns Io the reichsmark.

President Htisba, in a broadcast, described Hie defunct republic as "only a‘short episode in our history.” He added that Herr Hitler hud received him with full honours.

Bratislava reports that General Homolka, former commander of the Seventh Czech Army, attempted to escape to Moravia. His car wits held up and shots were exchanged, as a result of which the general was wounded. He escaped in the forest, and his wife and chauffeur were detained. Hlinka Guards and Germans commandeered Jewish vehicles and searched all bouses owned by Jews.