“HAD TO CAPITULATE”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1938, Page 8

“HAD TO CAPITULATE”

GENERAL SIROVV’S ADDRESS DESERTED BY ALL STATES OF EUROPE. SUBMISSION TO OVERWHELMING ODDS. (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) PRAGUE, September 30. In his broadcast reported in an earlier message the Premier (General Sirovy) said:—“The terms imposed on us are' unique in mankind’s history. We had to capitulate because we were deserted by all the States of Europe. We stand alone, while all around are nations armed to the teeth. We could not allow the Army, to which we give our thanks, to fight against such overwhelming odds. We call on the nation to bear its painful suffering with composure and dignity, to try to seek happiness within . narrower frontiers.” Solemn crowds listened to the speech with utter dejection, but there were no demonstrations. The full terms imposed on Czechoslovakia are unknown to the public. All radio programme are cancelled, as a sign of national mourning, and only half-hour news bulletins are permissible. EXCITEMENT AND FEARS. SOCIAL DEMOCRATS ANXIOUS. (Received This Day, 11.30 a.m.) PRAGUE, September 30. Excitement has been growing since the announcement of the agreement. The Social Democrats are concerned over the fate of their colleagues in Sudetenland. Fifty thousand have already fled to inner Czechoslovakia.

CANADA’S HOPE ABOLITION OF ARMAMENT RACE. WARM: GRATITUDE OFFERED TO MR CHAMBERLAIN. (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) OTTAWA, September 30. The Prime Minister cabled Mr Chamberlain as follows: —The heart of Canada is rejoicing over your achievements, which assure you an illustrious place among the great conciliators, whom the world is glad to honour. A turning point in the world’s history should be a pact which will lead to abolition of the armament race.