A GREAT OCCASION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 September 1938, Page 8

A GREAT OCCASION

MR CHAMBERLAIN CHEERED IN COMMONS CONGRATULATED & THANKED BY MEMBERS. MUSSOLINI’S EFFECTIVE ASSISTANCE. (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 28. In the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain reviewed at length the chain of events following the Czech-Sudeten breach and dealt with his visits to Berchtesgaden and Godesberg. He said he had no doubt that his visit to Herr Hitler prevented an invasion of Czechoslovakia. In reply to his message to Signor Mussolini he had been informed that instructions had been sent to the Ital-i ian Ambassador in Berlin to see Herr von Ribbentrop (German Foreign Minister) and say that while Italy would fulfil completely her pledges to stand by Germany, Signor Mussolini hoped, in view of the great importance of the British Government’s request, that Herr Hitler would see his way to postpone the action the Chancellor had told Sir Horace Wilson would be taken at 2 p.m. today. Signor Mussolini asked for at least twenty-four hours’ posTponement, to enable him to re-examine the situation and find a peaceful settlement. Herr Hitler responded and agreed to Dostpone the mobilisation for twentyfour hours. (Loud cheers). “Whatever our past views about Signor Mussolini,” said Mr Chamberlain, “I believe everyone will welcome his Gesture. Mr Chamberlain suggested that in view of the new development the debate might be adjourned for a few days, and then perhaps the House might meet again under happier circumstances.

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) said he was certain everyone in the House would welcome the statement. He was sure every member was desirous of neglecting no chance of preserving peace without sacrificing principle and would wish to give the Prime Minister every opportunity of following this new move. (Labour cheers). Sir Archibald Sinclair (Liberal Leader) expressed relief at the news and gratitude for the Prime Minister’s unsparing exertions. The House adjourned at 3.10 p.m. Members crowded round Mr Chamberlain, shaking hands and congratulating him.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S JOURNEY. MEETING PLACE AT MUNICH. (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 28. Mr Chamberlain is leaving Heston at 8.30 a.m., not 7.30 a.m. The Munich conference is being held in the Fuehrer Haus, a new Nazi building richly decorated in the Nazi style of architecture, which was ceremoniously inaugurated by Signor Mussolini during a previous visit.

ACTION BY ROOSEVELT. PERSONAL MESSAGE SENT TO MUSSOLINI. (Received This Day, 11.0 a.m.) NEW YORK, September 28. Officials at the White House revealed that President Roosevelt sent a message to Signor Mussolini personally last night on behalf of peace.

MARINE INSURANCE. HIGHEST RATE SINCE GREAT WAR. (Received This Day. 12.55 p.m.) MONTREAL, September 28. Insurance firms are setting war risk grain rates on cargoes for French Mediterranean ports at five per cent on the invoice value, the highest rate since the Great War.