A CRITICAL TIME

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

A CRITICAL TIME

PLEA FOR UNITY "WE ARE NOT AFRAID” PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PRAGUE, May 21 “ There has been no more critical time since the Great War,” declared Dr. Benes, Czech President, in a speech at Tabor. “We are not afraid; we are prepared for everything; but we must not permit ourselves to be disunited.” Expressing the hope that war would be avoided. Dr. Benes mentioned the friendship between Britain and France, and the Anglo-Italian agreement as factors promoting peace. Herr Franck, a Sudeten deputy, at the invitation of the Prime Minister. Dr. Hodza, conferred with the latter to determine methods of maintaining peace. Herr Franck demanded compensation for the victims of the shooting at

Cheb, the punishment of the persons responsible, and measures to prevent a repetition of the incident. Dr. Hodza had announced on Friday that negotiations with the Gei*nans and other minorities would begin immediately. Whatever happened Czechoslovakia would stand fast with her allies and guaranteed that this Government would fulfil reasonable Nationalist demands, but would suppress terrorism rigorously.

ATTITUDE OF FRANOE ASSISTANCE FOR CZECHOSLOVAKIA IF THE FRONTIER IS CROSSED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, May 22 A spokesman of the French Foreign Office stated: “France hopes for an amicable settlement, but

if Germany crosses the frontier she will automatically start a war, as France will respect her engagements to Czechoslovakia If she Is the victim of aggression.”

The French Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Bonnet, conferred in Paris with the British Ambassador. Sir Eric Phipps, and the Soviet Ambassador. M. Jacques Souritz. The British Foreign Office had no confirmation of German and Czech troop movements yesterday, says the Australian Associated Press, hut this merely resembles the position when Austria was annexed. Moreover, the assurances given the British Ambassador in Berlin. Sir Nevile Henderson, recall Germany’s earlier denials at the moment when thousands of German troops were already entering Austria. Serious Situation The situation is regarded as sufficiently serious for the Foreign Secretary. Viscount Halifax, to return immediately from Oxford to the Foreign Office, where he remains in touch with Mr Chamberlain. It is equally significant that a Foreign Office spokesman recalls Mr Chamberlain's pronouncement, in the House of Commons on March 24 to the effect, that Britain might be involved if an upheaval occurs in Central Europe. This reminder of Britain’s attitude was accompanied by a statement, that. Britain had done her utmost in conversations with the Czechs to achieve a peaceful and orderly solution of the problems and that the Czechoslovakian Government wholeheartedly responded and was prepared tn negotiate, whereas Herr Henlein refused to negotiate until certain guarantees had been given. It was stated lhat Britain considers this a form of obstruction, because guarantees obviously would form an important part of the negotiations. A Calmer View The Sunday newspapers take a calmer view' of the situation. It is reported from Paris also that there is no tendency in political circles lo dramatise the incidents. A STATEMENT DENIED THE OBLIGATIONS OF FRANCE UNDER THE LOCARNO TREATY (Received May 23, 11 a.m.' PARIS, May 22 11. is authoritatively denied that Hip Foreign Office spokesman said last nicht that if Germany crossed the frontier she would automatically start a wa.v M. Bonnet reiterated to the English and Soviet Ambassadors lhat France will fulfil her obligations to Gzcehoslo\a kia, hut emphasised that ihe French obligations depend on the Locarno Treaty, in which there ie no 1 question of automatic action.