CZECHS IN DESPAIR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 March 1939, Page 7

CZECHS IN DESPAIR

Weeping Women Watch Invading Troops CLENCHED FISTS IN WENCESLAUS SQUARE PRAGUE, March 15. " A crowd of 5000 in Wenceslaus Square fervently but tearfully sang the Czech national anthem, gave the clenched fist salute and hissed and booed as German troops entered the heart of Prague at 9.2 C this morning. A company of military motor-cycles heading the column roared ■ into Wenceslaus Square, and the main 'body of the troops quickly followed. The police suppressed all demonstrations by the crowd. The city was stirred when it heard the news of the impending occupation. Many heard it over the wireless for the first time this morning. They responded, however, to the appeal to go quietly to work. A broadcast stated that the Germans, with powerful mechanised forces, were entering Bohemia and Moravia from all directions and the Government had no alternative but to surrender. Resistance would only have- involved the loss of nationhood. The Germans must be well and not provocatively received. A scouting force of 100 German troops crossed the border near Melnik 20 miles from Prague at 6 a.m. in a blinding snowstorm. There was no resistance. Warplanes, believed to be German, flew over Prague at 7.30 a.m. Silent villagers watched the troops march to Prague and women wept openly. One of the first moves of the troops was to force traffic to keep to the right side of the road as is done in Germany. After the occupation of Prague, Sudeten Germans with swastika arm bands paraded in the streets unchallenged. German flags appeared in some private houses. City activities are normal but crowds packed the banks and travel offices with the idea of migrating, but there is little hope of this. It is officially stated that Herr Hitler is accompanying the German troops which are occupying Bohemia and Moravia.