SLOVAK PLOT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 March 1939, Page 7

SLOVAK PLOT

FIRM ACTION TAKEN BY PRESIDENT PREMIER AND TWO COLLEAGUES DISMISSED. PROCLAMATION OF MARTIAL LAW. 3y Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright PRAGUE, March 10. The President of Czechoslovakia, Dr Hacha, today dismissed the Slovakian Premier, Dr Tiso, the Minister of Economics, M. Prusinski, and the Labour Minister, M. Duranski. A communique states that certain groups exploited the weakness and of Dr Tiso and other Minsters and that the Government was no longer able to prevent disturbances n the interior of Slovakia. The dismissal of the Ministers is intended to maintain order and prevent my attempt against the union of Czechoslovak States. A coup d’etat by Slovak Radicals ’ntending to proclaim an independent Slovak State and to secede from Prague was foiled when the central Government, hearing of the plans, promptly dissolved the Hlinka Guards (Autonomists), who were cither confined to their barracks all night under military supervision or sent to a concentration camp in Moravia. The commander of the guards, M. Tuka, and the Slovak propaganda chief, M. Mach, were detained as a precautionary measure. The Government reinforced the garrisons and troops occupied important points and ouildings all over Slovakia. Martial law .was proclaimed in Bratislava and Slovaks were exhorted ;o obedience. Tanks are patrolling the streets. Anxiety is felt in Prague lest the Slovaks seek German aid. The new Slovak Premier appointed to succeed Dr Tiso is the deputy, M. Swak. He is at present on his way to Rome for the coronation of the Pope and is unaware of his appointment.