OPINION IN LONDON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 May 1938, Page 7

OPINION IN LONDON

GERMANY MAY FORCE ISSUE THINKING BRITAIN AND FRANCE PREOCCUPIED. SITUATION REGARDED AS SERIOUS. LONDON, May 21. Coinciding with the sudden aggravation of the situation in Czechoslovakia, the opinion is widespread in Germany that the time is favourable for forcing an immediate settlement, says the Berlin correspondent of the British United Press. The chief reasons are because Britain and France are preoccupied with Spanish war problems, because of Italian and French tension, and the fact that the success of the Anschluss has encouraged the belief that Germany is in a position to carry out her programme of uniting all Germans in the Reich without serious opposition, either internally or externally. It is reported that Herr Henlein will see Herr Hitler before going to Prague early next week. It is thought that Herr Hitler’s antiCzech outburst may be intimidation and blackmail in view of tomorrow’s local elections, rather than indicating a coup resembling that of Austria. The Foreign Office has no confirmation of German or Czech troops movements so far, but this only resembles the position when Austria was annexed. Moreover, the assurances given the British Ambassador, Sir Neville Henderson, recall Germany’s earlier denials at a moment when thousands were already entering Austria. The situation is regarded as sufficiently serious for Lord Halifax immediately to return from Oxford to the Foreign Office, where he remains in touch with the Premier, Mr Neville Chamberlain. It is equally significant that a Foreign Office spokesman recalls Mr Chamberlain’s pronouncement in the House of Commons on March 24, to the effect that Britain might be involved if an upheaval occurred in Central Europe. This reminder of Britain’s attitude is accompanied by a statement that Britain has done her utmost in conversations with Czechoslovakia to achieve a peaceful and orderly solution of problems that the Czechoslovakian Government has wholeheartedly responded and was prepared to negotiate, whereas Herr Henlein has refused to negotiate until certain guarantees are given. It is stated that Britain considers this obstruction. because guarantees obviously form an important part of negotiations. MR CHAMBERLAIN RETURNS. MINISTERIAL CONFERENCES IN LONDON. (Recd This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, May 22. The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Neville Chamberlain, who left London cn Friday to spent the weekend with friends in the country, arrived at Waterloo Station at noon and went to Downing Street. Viscount Halifax saw Herr Dirchsen, the German Ambassador, and Sir John Simon, and then left the Foreign Office and joined Mr Chamberlain. There are no indications from abroad of any fresh development in the situation. HITLER IN MUNICH. POSSIBLY SUGGESTIVE DECLARATION. (Recd This Day, 9.45 a.m.) MUNICH, May 22. Herr Hitler, inaugurating a subway works, did not refer to the European situation, unless in a passage declaring that: “Whenever any problem of any kind arises, we tackle it and see it through.” Herr Hitler appeared to be in excellent spirits.