SUDETEN PROBLEM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 May 1938, Page 7

SUDETEN PROBLEM

PARTY LEADER VISITS BRITAIN i GREAT IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO TALKS. DISCUSSION WITH POLITICAL FRIENDS. By Telegraph.—-Press Association, Copyright. LONDON, May 13. The leader of the Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia, Herr Henlein, landed at Croydon from Brussels and drove to an unknown destination to discuss the Sudeten problem with political friends. The “Daily Mail’s” Prague correspondent says considerable importance is being attached to Herr Henlein’s visit because of the imminence of the publication of the Government’s nationalities statute. The Sudeten Germans desire Britain to mediate on the minority question, and are holding out. hopes of support from Britain against the Czechs. There are persistent reports of violent differences in the Czech Cabinet over the statute, only the impartiality of the Prime Minister, Dr Hodza, preventing its abandonment. There were very bitter scenes in Parliament after allegations that promises made to the Germans had not been kept.

HERR HENLEIN'S VISIT. SURROUNDED BY UTMOST SECRECY. (Recd This Day, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, May 13. Herr Henlein and the Rt Hon ' Sir Archibald Sinclair had lunch at Mr Winston Churchill’s flat. Interviewed at the entrance to his flat Herr Henlein’s British host said: “Herr Henlein wishes to make contact with a few friends at a moment when people are baffled over events in Czechoslovakia.” Herr Henlein is surrounded with the utmost secrecy. The telephone in . his hotel bedroom is disconnected and the hotel is guarded by several police to prevent interviewers from entering. OWN INITIATIVE. VISIT ENTIRELY PRIVATE. (British Official Wireless). (Recd This Day, 10.8 a.m.) RUGBY, May 13. Herr Henlein’s visit to London is apparently entirely private and taken on his initiative. Official quarters in Britain are without knowledge of his movements and intentions.