MUCH SECRECY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20498, 14 May 1938, Page 7

MUCH SECRECY

HERR HEX LEIN IN LONDON ENTERTAINED BY MR CHURCHILL ENGLISH PEOPLE BAFFLED United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 14, 11.15 a.m. LONDON, May 13 Herr Ilenlein. leader of the Sudeten Germans, and Sir A. Sinclair had lunch at Mr Winston Churchills flat. Interviewed at. Ihe entrance to the flat, Herr Henlein's British host said: “ Herr Henlein wishes to make contact with a few friends at a moment when people are baffled over events In Czechoslovakia.” Herr Henlein is surrounded with the utmost secrecy. The telephone in his hotel bedroom has been disconnected and the hotel is guarded by several police to prevent interviewers from entering. Herr Henlein's visit to London is apparently entirely private and taken on his own initiative. Official quarters in Britain are without knowledge of his movements and intentions.

DELICATE SITUATION IN CENTRAL EUROPE DISCUSSIONS ON THE POSITION NEGOTIATIONS FOR SETTLEMENT (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 14, 11.35 a.m.) LONDON, May 13 Herr Henlein’s visit surprised London. The Foreign office insisted that it was utterly unexpected. It is not anticipated -that Herr Henlein will communicate with itHerr Henlein's only statement was: “1 am leaving London to-morrow, and probably will return shortly.” Mr Winston Churchill, as Herr IIe:i----lein’s host at a luncheon party, slated:

“Mutual friends thought that as Herr Henlein was coming to London it would be a good tiling to talk together about the Central European situation. The conversations are strictly private.”

Herr Henlein afterwards visited rfiv Norman Angel 1, accompanied by a colleague, who said: "The situation is delicate. These matters should be kept secret, but Herr Henlein will be

advised as to the weight of public opinion in Britain.” It is generally assumed Ihat Herr Henlein, who is well liked here, has undertaken t lie visit in connection with the strengthening of his ha&ds in the negotiations for a settlement of the Sudeten Deutsch problem. Satisfactory Conversations The visit undoubtedly cannot be dissociated from Sir Nevile Henderson's recent conversations with Herr von Ribbentrop about the problem. This appears to have been so satisfactory Ihat. Sir Nevile is further calling on Herr veil Ribbentrop, who inti-* mated that Germany welcomed Britain's mediatory action in Prague and was anxious for a peaceful settlement. The Czechoslovakian Government is prepared to make considerable concessions to Herr Ilenlein, who demands the determination and legal recognition of the Sudeten Deutsch, full selfGovernment, and complete equality with the Czechs. The Danger of War Herr Ilenlein saw Sir Robert Yansittart. He also wished to meet prominent back-benchers, accordingly lie saw Brigadier-General Spears, Lieut.-Commander Fletcher, Messrs D. Sandys, Harold Nicholson, Godfrey Nicholson and Patrick MacNamar*, who asked and* were informed exactly of tlie Sudeten demands. The Daily Telegraph says Herr Henlein was told that the British public will not support extreme demands unacceptable to Prague, and if pressed these will lead to a dangerous situation. France would support the Czechs in armed resistance. Britain could not remain indifferent, for which reason he was asked to recognise his serious responsibility. BATTLE IN THE STREET USE OF THE NAZI SALUTE SIXTY ARRESTS MADE (Uniled Press A>>n.-Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 14. 1 p.m.) PRAGUE. May 13 Czechs objected lo Herr Henlein's supporters using the Nazi salute in the street and a battle followed. Sixty Nazis were arrested. The Sudeten Party organ announces the formation of “a fighting battalion of Storm Troopers,” to protect Herr Henlein and maintain order at meetiiu»*-