CZECH CABINET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 August 1938, Page 5

CZECH CABINET

NEW PLAN OF SETTLEMENT TO BE DISCUSSED LORD RUNCIMAN’S TALK WITH PRESIDENT STRICT SECRECY OBSERVED By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. PRAGUE, August 30. Several newspapers assert that the Cabinet will discuss today new proposals for a settlement of the Sudeten question based on Lord Runciman’s latest talks with the Czech leaders and on the discussions held by Mr Ashton G. Watkins,' Lord Runciman’s adviser, in London. ■ Herr Henlein is understood to have cancelled his visit to Stuttgart, where he intended to preside at the congress of Germans living abroad. It is expected that he will meet Lord Runciman again in the next few days. No hint is available here of what took place in Lord Runciman’s talk with President Benes, which is shrouded in the same impenetrable veil as was Lord Runciman’s talk with Herr Henlein. Foreign observers here comment on the dignified and calm attitude of the Czech Press as compared with the exagerated hysteria of the German Press and the persistent distortion of isolated . incidents, which are described as mere tavern brawls among men in their cups.

IMPORTANT MEETING DR BENES TO RECEIVE HERR HENLEIN LONDON, August 30. Dr Benes, President of Czechoslovakia, has arranged to receive Herr Henlein, leader of the Sudeten Germans, today. The greaest importance is attached to the meeting. •

A British Official Wireless message q’uotes an editorial in which the London “Times” says in part:— “The concern which the GermanCzech dispute, has caused in Britain is inevitable, and every intensification of it must give rise to fresh concern. An upheaval resulting from the use of violent measures must be expected to travel far from the first centre of the disturbance. The logic of fact and experience leaves it in no one’s power to assume that a spreading of the conflict would not compel the participation of this country. Britain does not suppose That the task of conciliation in this case is anything but extremely difficult, but even so it does not despair yet of a peaceful solution. The further attempt which the Czech parties are now making to meet the claims of minorities puts a very plain responsibility upon the Sudeten Germans. More, and not less, is to be expected from the Czechs in the way of sacrifice when it is clear that more is to be gained by it. An agreed constitution would be by far the highest achievement for peaceful revision which statesmanship has yet accomplished. The world might count upon other triumphs to rival it in the same kind. Against it must be set the perils of violent and intolerant overthrow of conciliatory effort, followed by a train of consequences whose end no man can predict.” The “Daily Telegraph” says: ‘There can be no ambiguity about the British policy. It aims' at a reduction of tension and the giving of lasting peace in Central Europe, but Sir John Simon’s speech repeats Mr Chamberlain’s warning that we could not disinterest ourselves should an attempt be made at a settlement by.force.”

MEETING PUT OFF. . (Recd This Day, 10.5 a.m.) PRAGUE, August 30. Dr Benes is not meeting Herr Henlein today. DESIRE FOR PEACE. SUDETENS SICK OF DISPUTE. LONDON, August 30. “The Times” Prague correspondent says that among the Sudeten Germans there is little of the jingoism portrayed in some foreign newspapers. “Most with whom I talked,” adds the correspondent, “are heartily sick of the dispute, though apprehensive of what may arise. They want more racial freedom, but, even more, they want peace to carry on in their fields and factories.” _