AFTER MUNICH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1938, Page 5

AFTER MUNICH

CZECHS ALLEGE BREACH OF AGREEMENT INCREASING DEMANDS BY GERMANY INCLUDING RETURN OF ALL SUDETENS. SAD PLIGHT OF REFUGEES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, October 10. The Prague correspondent of “The Times” says that people are dejectedly counting their lost territories, especially those in the fifth zone which is larger than the four others combined. Bitterness has been increased owing to the conviction that the Munich stipulation that Czech economic interests would be respected has been overruled and even the Godesberg demands exceeded. An official analysis states that the decisions of the Ambassadors’ Commis-. sjon are Tantamount to a denial of Czechoslovakia's independent existence and the country will be absolutely dependent on Germany. Her coal and iron mines have been completely lost and her agriculture so reduced that it will be difficult for Czechoslovakia to produce sufficient to pay for her imports. The Czechs sent a message 'to Mr Chamberlain on October 7, the contents of which are unknown, but are believed to refer to the Government’s anxiety regarding the 800,000 Czechs inside the German ring. The refugee question is still a most pressing problem, and forlorn families carrying bundles and bags crowd the streets of the capital. The Prague correspondent of :he “Daily Telegraph" says that the latest German demand is that all Sudeten Germans, including Socialists and Communists, who left the annexed areas shall be compelled to return, as Germany does not renounce her claim to any of the Germans resident in the areas to be handed over. This demand has caused consternation among the refugees, 90 per cent of whom face the concentration camp if they return. They protest that they are entitled to leave the Sudetenland, as the Munich agreement gave the right of option of Czech nationality. Officials declare that they are unable to resist the German demands. They claim that, repeatedly but fruitlessly, they applied to England and France for advice.

The Czechs have ordered 5000 German emigres to depart by October 11, otherwise they will be extradited. BRITISH LABOR OBSERVERS. The industrial correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the National Council of Labour is sending observers to Prague to report on the situation, particularly as it affects refugees from the Sudetenland. It is stated that the leader of the Labour Party, Mr C. R. Attle- and Mr Arthur Greenwood expressed to the Foreign Secretary grave mi..-givings about events in Czechoslovakia. The Labour Party is most concerned over the decisions of the ambassadors’ commission in Berlin. The observers will report on the position of refugees and minorities, including German Democrats and Jews in the ceded territories. A message from Paris states that the executive of the International Federation of Trades Unions has launched a fund for the relief of Czech refugees and is sending a delegation to investigate on the spot.

FEDERAL STATE. NEW CAPITALS ANNOUNCED. PRAGUE, October 10. i It is announced that Bratislava will ;be the new capital of Slovakia and that ' Uzhrod will be the capital of Ruthenia. i Dr Tisot is Premier of Slovakia and Dr Parkanyi Premier of Ruthenia. ; Both Cabinets have issued a proclamation declaring that they will co-operate 'freely with the Czech Stat. ,! The Slovakian Cabinet has dissolved -the Communist Party.