DIPLOMATS BUSY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 September 1938, Page 8

DIPLOMATS BUSY

GREAT EFFORTS TO AVERT EXPLOSION SUPPORT FOR THE CZECH STAND NO SUBMISSION TO MAILED FIST (Recd This Day, 12.15 p.m). LONDON, September 14. “The Times” Prague correspondent says there has been strenuous diplomatic activity in Prague all day. The English and French Legations are doing their utmost to avert an explosion. The idea of a plebiscite has not only been rejected by the Czechs, but by foreign diplomats. The Government considers that it would mean complete submission to the mail fist. Diplomatic opinion is that the rioting was not expected even by Herr Hitler. This belief is supported by the fact that disorders have not occurred in the northern districts where stores of German arms are chiefly concealed. The worst sign at present is the flight of populations. Sudeten Germans are leaving Prague, while Czechs and Left Wing Germans are fleeing from the Sudeten areas, where they declare that Nazi officials have already arrived from Munich. The whole of Czechoslovakia is at the moment unnaturally calm, with the exception of Schwadersbach, thanks to the Government’s vigorous measures. “The Times” Berlin correspondent says the Reich is most concerned at the fierceness of yesterday’s outbreak, and Herr Henlein’s ultimatum. There is good reason to believe the lattei’ was made without Herr Hitler’s knowledge and approval. The demands contained in it have no ultimative force as far as Germany is concerned. The Reich regards the crisis as still in the diplomatic stage. Viscount Runciman still enjoys high prestige in the eyes of the Fuehrer, who does not regard his mission ended. A message from Prague states tnat Herr Kundt is to see Lord Runciman this evening, when they will have a private conversation.