SLOVAK FRONTIER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 March 1939, Page 7

SLOVAK FRONTIER

INVASION BY HUNGARIAN TROOPS

BORDER NOT EXACTLY DEFINED JOINT COMMISSION REQUESTED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, March 24. Following a protest from Bratislava against an invasion by Hungarian troops across the Slovak-Ruthenian frontier, Hungary is asking Slovakia to establish a joint commission to regulate the frontier.

A communique issued yesterday by the Slovakian Defence Ministry stated that the Hungarian troops which invaded Slovakia consisted of three columns, totalling four infantry battalions, one bicycle company, and one motorised regiment including tanks. At 5.30 a.m. the Hungarians' had penetrated deeply, but at 2.30 p.m. the advance had been stopped. The communique stated that Slovak troops put up a stiff fight against the invaders. Slovak airmen machinegunned the Hungarians and put two battalions to flight. Many Hungarians were killed and wounded. It was officially admitted in Budapest today that Hungarian troops in Ruthenia had occupied some points west of the River Ung Valley with the object of safeguarding the railway along the Slovak-Ruthenian frontier, which had never been properly delineated.

A communique issued in Budapest declared that reports that the Hungarians were operating upon Germany’s invitation or with her acquiescence were untrue. The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Count Csaky, stated that Slovakia’s eastern frontier was inexactly defined and that, therefore, there was a possibility of local incidents, but there was no question of organised military operations. HUNGARY’S THANKS “FAR-REACHING BENEVOLENCE OF GERMANS. WARNING GIVEN TO RUMANIA. BUDAPEST, March 24. The Foreign Minister, Count Csaky, making a statement to the foreign relations commission today, said that relations with Germany were more cordial than ever. Without the far-reach-ing benevolence of the German leaders, Hungary would not have become so strong. Yugoslavia’s attitude during the crisis had been correct, but Rumania’s was hesitant. “I had, therefore, to remind Rumania,” said Count Csaky, “that Hungary would occupy Ruthenia in all circumstances and that any unprovoked attack on Hungarian troops would mean war. I regret that, notwithstanding our promises Rumania adopted military measures. "Rumania first objected to the occupation of Ruthenia east of Chust unless a portion be ceded to Rumania, which I explained was impossible. I hope to develop friendly relations with Rumania, but I will not negotiate while Rumania remains mobilised.”

CZECH GOVERNMENT

FORMATION ON ITALIAN LINES. MEETING OF COMMITTEE SUMMONED. PRAGUE, March 24. President Hacha, taking the first step in the formation of a Grand Council on the Italian lines today summoned a meeting of a committee on which social democrats and extreme right wingers are represented. It is not certain whether the new form of- government will be acceptable. General von Brauch'tsch, Reich Protector of Bohemia, issued an order imposing the German .penal code. The first party of refugees to be formed since the annexation left for England today. It comprised 66 women and children. EX-MINISTERS ARRESTED. - BUDAPEST, March 24. M. Derer and M. Marcovicz, formerly members of the Czech Cabinet, are reported to have been arrested by the Secret police.