A WARNING

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

A WARNING

BRITAIN’S STRONG STAND MAY ACT AS MEDIATOR SITUATION EXTREMELY ORITIOAL UP ted Free* Aten.—Elec. Tei. Copyright (Received May 23, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, May 22 The Australian Associated Press says the general situation to-night, although somewhat quieter, ie etill regarded as extremely critical and confused. A aeries of Ministerial and diplomatic meetings culminated In an emergency meeting of the full Oebinet at B p.m., for whioh Mr Chamberlain returned from the country. Lord Stanley likewise hastened to Downing Street for hie first teak In hie new office ae Dominions Secretary, afterwards sending lengthy dlapatohes to the Dominion Premiers. It is believed that these indicate In at Britain It further at* tempting the role of mediator and Is submitting a peace plan to Prague and Berlin, In which she is using all her Influence with the Czech Government to avoid further incidentsand simultaneously pressing for Dr. Hodza to negotiate with Herr Henlein as quickly as possible. She also is urging Herr Hitler to exercise patience and to moderate his newspapers. A Significant Move It is understood that Viscount Halifax informed the Czechoslovakian Ambassador while Sir Nevile Henderson simultaneously told Herr von Ribbentrop, that if the French honour their obligation to Czechoslovakia Britain will stand by France. This clearly constitutes a strong warning to Germany, and is a significant move at such a vital juncture, apparently Indicating Britain's readiness to intervene to the utmostBritain's consultations with France and Germany continue. Mr Chamberlain hopes it may be possible for Britain to act as peacemaker, by being trusted by both sides, but it is felt that it is useless at this moment to attempt to attribute motives and apportion blame, though the most critical moment may have been yesterday, when two Sudeten Germans were shot. Wort* Trouble May be Avoided The fact that the crisis passed without a general upheaval suggests that if further incidents do not occur worse trouble may still be avoided. Nevertheless it is realised that it is impossible to fix the truth precisely of the happenings, especially in connection with the many denials and cross-currents regarding troop movements. Britain hopes, in conjunction with France, to attempt mediation by a scheme of Independent observers in Czechoslovakia, but it Is thought that In view of the troop movements the situation has developed too far and has beoome too delicate to get the parties to arbitrate.