FLAG STILL FLOWN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20067, 13 October 1939, Page 4

FLAG STILL FLOWN

i CZECH CONSULATE

CHRISTCHURCH POSITION

'Although Czecho-Slovakia is now wider the control of Germany,: * her armies disbanded and her Government established on foreign soil, the flag of the nation is still being flown at the Czecho-Slovakian Consulate'in Christchurch. The Consul ther6, Mr. D. J. Shea, has refused ever since the absorption of Czech-Slovakia to resognise the new situation, and yesterday, when all Consulates flew their flags half mast out of respect for the-late Mr. Norton Francis, who -&as Consul for the Netherlands in Christchurch, the Czecho-Slovakian flag was also flying.

“I have refused to surrender the Consulate here until such time as Great Britain recognises the de jure occupation of Czecho-Slovakia,” Mr. Shea said.

His Consulate is now the only Czecho-Slovakian one. in New Zealand, the others having been surrendered on the demand of the German Consul, Herr Ramm. At the time of the occupation of the country, Herr Ramm went to Christchurch and demanded the surrender of the Consulate from Mr. Shea, and the surrender of the archives. Mr. Shea refused to accede to these demands, this following the lines of action taken in Great Britain and Australia. ,

Mr. Shea receives his instructions now from the Czecho-Slovakian Consul dor the Commonwealth of Australia, Dr. Solansky, who has his headquarters, in Sydney.'