CZECH PROBLEM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1938, Page 7

CZECH PROBLEM

CESSATION OF PROPAGANDA URGED REFERENCES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. OBSTACLES TO SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 20. Asked in the House of Commons whether, in view of the prejudicial effect of external propaganda on the conclusion of a satisfactory agreement between the Czechoslovakian Government and the Sudeten Germans, the Government would make proposals to interested Governments in Europe with a view to securing cessation of all such propaganda during the period of negotiations, the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr R. A. Butler, referred to statements by the Prime Minister. Mr Neville Chamberlain, on May 23 and June 14 that the principal concern of his Majesty’s Government had been and remained to use all its influence for the exercise of restraint. Mr Butler added: “The absence of such restraint, as honourable members rightly point out, must increase the difficulty of reaching a successful issue to the negotiations.” HOPEFUL FORECAST PROGRESS IN AGREEMENT AN EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT ANTICIPATED LONDON, June 21. The Associated Press understands that, barring unforseen happenings, the best Czechoslovakian news since the crisis is anticipated later this week, when it is hoped that an announcement will be made of several points in the agreement between Dr Hodza, Premier of Czechoslovakia, and Herr Henlein, leader of the Sudetens, including a minority statute. These will be essentially preliminary points, tantamount to an agreement to negotiate a major agreement, but they will be psychologically most important. Undoubtedly Dr Benes, President of Czechoslovakia, whatever the ultimate outcome, is anxious for an early move to be made. British quarters confirm the fact that the position is much better than a fortnight ago, but limit comment to “so far so good.”