OPPRESSED CZECHS.

Evening Star, Issue 23379, 23 September 1939, Page 12

OPPRESSED CZECHS.

Berlin has declared that the British and French reports of a revolt in Bohemia and Moravia are “ completely unfounded.” The world is asked’to believe that a few “ isolated arrests ” sum up the position. As an ofi'set_to the statements that have been made on this matter, the Nazi- radio stations report that a,s a result of the Government’s decrees there have been serious disturbances in France, which they sarcastically describe as a free and democratic country.” People will not be deceived by this sort of propaganda, knowing that the Nazis have brought the dissemination of lies to a fine art. The first intimation of a revolutionary movement in Bohemia and Moravia came from the British Ministry of Information, which stated that its announcement was based on reports from authoritative circles. Confirmation of their accuracy is given to-day by the London ‘ Times,’ which says that the Czechs and Slovaks are maintaining tho revolt with the utmost bravery in the face of ruthless repressive measures. It is further asserted that unrest in Austria is adding to the troubles of the Nazis. This may well be believed, for among sections of the Austrian people the democratic sentiment is strong. It’ has been forced underground since the country was absorbed by Nazi Germany, but it is reasonable to suppose that it will reappear to somo extent in the present circumstances. Since the Anschluss was accomplished by Hitler Austria has lived under military rule, and the harsh and repressive measures employed against -those who fail to respond to the Nazi doctrines have occasioned resentment that will find forcible expression if tho opportunity offers.

Bohemia and Moravia have been isolated completely from the outside world. An iron rule prevails there. Last month the Protectorate Government ordered the surrender of all arms and explosives in the possession of citizens of the former Czech provinces, and gave a warning that gross violators of this decree might be executed. Bohemia and Moravia are described as a protectorate. This is a misnomer. It is merely a smoke-screen behind which the Nazis can work their will. The people are under a military heel, and the anti-Jewish legislation that has been introduced is based on the Nuremberg lavvs of the Third Reich. An informative article on the position was given last month by a staff correspondent of the 1 Christian Science Monitor,’ writing from Prague. In his opinion the test was for the German. The Nazis had not been slow to tell the Czech what they expected of him, but they had not indicated by word or act that they were prepared to meet the nation on the ground of equality. To-all intents and purposes the Czechs are being treated as a subject race. This is the source of German w-eakness, arising from arrogance. The Nazis do not make friends—only enemies. It should be obvious that neither the problem of Bohemia-Moravia nor that of any other part of Central Europe where minorities have to live side by side can ultimately be settled by mere force. Co-operation will have to come before true peace can be established. The present disturbances in Bohemia and Moravia illustrate this. The same thing will apply to Poland if Nazi rule is established in the greater part of that country. Though the Nazis have gone back to the law of the jungle their attempts to drag the rest of the world with them must end in failure and complete discomfiture.