RESERVE CALLED UP

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20505, 23 May 1938, Page 7

RESERVE CALLED UP

AOTION BY OZKOHOSLOVAKIA TO BECURE INTERNAL SECURITY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PRAGUE, May 22 A meeting of the Czechoslovakian Council of Ministers yesterday decided to recall to the colours a section of the army reserve. It Is officially explained that this is purely In the Interests of Internal security and Is not directed ag -nst anyone. Government officials declare that the summoning of the reservists is particularly designed to maintain peace at the elections to-day, after a protest from the Sudeten German Party alleging that the Czech forces for public order were not maintaining peace in some sections. Rumours that Czechoslovakia is partly or wholly mobilising are untrue, it was stated. The War Office claims that the precautionary calling-up of reserves has been completed and has had a calming effect in the Sudeten areas. The remainder of the country is quiet. Those called up comprised the 188 class, Including the less-trained older -men who were summoned in order to be trained in the use of modern weapons. in addition to strengthening the forces. Not Mobilisation It is explained that the measure does not constitute mobilisation, which requires Parliamentary sanction. The number called up has not been disclosed, but it included Sudeten Germans, who were swiftly transferred to barracks distant from their own districts. The summoning of the reserves led to a rush in Prague to buy gas masks. THE REASON INQUIRIEB BY FOREIGN POWERB MAINTENANCE OF ORDER STATEMENT BY GOVERNMENT United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright PRAGUE, May 22 The British. French and German Ministers called upon Dr. Krofta. Foreign Minister, and inquired the reason for the calling-up of the reserves. Dr. Krofta said the reserves were required | io maintain order in the towns during i tlie absence of the troops sent to the frontier to keep the peace. The Government later issued a ' statement that only one class of reser- | vista and «*ecnd-line reservists with | special units had been called up. i These measures were sufficient to en- | sure the maintenance of order and no I further military measures were being J taken. | The Government broadcast an appeal for the maintenance of order. Czech officials are investigating reports of Storm Troop concentrations on the Czechoslovakian border, but responsible quarters believe that if the reports are true the concentrations represent, only a move to influence waverers to vole for Herr Henlein at, ihe elections to-day. in which Nazi gains are expected. Excitement is at a high pitch in the Sudeten areas. The executive of the Sudeten German Party issued a statement in which it. contended that the calling-up of the reserves Mas tantamount to mobilisation. and allecPti that Hie Czechs were entrencbinc on the frontier and arm - ing Czech civilians in the Sudeten areas, in which they had established large munition stores.