CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CRISIS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20506, 24 May 1938, Page 7

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN CRISIS

BRITAIN’S DESIRE FOR PEACE SATISFACTORY SETTLEMENT HOPED FOR RECAPTULATION OF EVENTS BY MR CHAMBERLAIN (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 24, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 23 In the House of Commons the Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, replying to Mr C. R. Attlee, Leader of the Opposition, recapitulated the events leading up to the Czechoslovakian situation. He said the British Government’s principal concern had been to use all its influence on the side of restraint in word and deed, keeping open the way to peaceful negotiation and a satisfactory settlement. The British Government had represented to the German Government the urgent importance of reaching a settlement with a view to preserving European peace, and had also expressed the earnest desire that the German Government would co-operate with Britain in facilitating an agreement. Simultaneously it had informed Germany that advice had been tendered to Prague and assurances had been received from the Czech Government. Mr Chamberlain added that Herr von Ribbentrop had stated that Germany welcomed Britain’s efforts, and the German Government fully shared Britain’s desire that the negotiations should succeed. Earlier Mr Chamberlain, replying to Mr A. Henderson, said he was unable to state the terms of the Czech Government’s written reply to the British and French Ministers, which was confidential, but Czechoslovakia welcomed AngloFrench interest and assured Britain of her intention to reach a just and equitable settlement.

The black districts in the map show where the Germans prefer io live in Czechoslovakia.

DELICATE SITUATION A PROVOCATIVE STATEMENT THE ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN GREAT EFFORTS FOR PEACE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 24, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 23 The diplomatic correspondent of the Australian Associated Press says that the Czechoslovakian situation continues easier, but danger unquestionably remains. The future is very obscure. The provocative statement by the French Foreign Office spokesman on May 21, that if Germany crossed the frontier she would automatically start a war, despite the fact that it has since been denied, is believed to have been inspired by M- Bonnet, and lias placed Britain in a delicate situation. It is gathered that Mr Chamberlain’s efforts for peace are not only directed to Hem* llenlein but with equal firmness to France, Dr. Benes and Herr Hitler. Dr. Benes continues to be as much the .keyman as Herr llenlein. Meanwhile Mr Chamberlain's statement in the House of Commons about 3.i0 p.m. is eagerly awaited. Poland Will Support Britain An important bearing on the situation is the conversation between the German Ambassador at Warsaw, Herr von Moltke. and Colonel Beck. The former is seeking to ascertain Poland s attitude in the event of German troops entering Czechoslovakia. It Is sported that Colonel Beck Intimated that if England and France are embroiled the Poles will Join them, whloh is a restraining Influence on General Goering, who Is pressing Herr Hitler to take drastic military action against Czechoslovakia.

FRANCE AND RUSSIA WILL FULFIL OBLIGATIONS TROOPS ON THE FRONTIER United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyrigtr LONDON, May 23 France and RUssia have assured the Czech Government that they will fulfil their treaty obligations if Czechoslovakia is attacked, says the Prague correspondent of the News Chronicle and Morning Post. The Russian assurances especially were definite. Meanwhile. 50.000 Czechoslovakians are occupying the frontier zones and vital mountain passes.

Czechoslovakia's " Maginot line " and other field works have been strengthened, and tanks, heavy artillery and mechanised troops have been moved to the frontier.

THE BRITISH POLICY CLEAR TO ALL THE WORLD PROMOTION OF UNDERSTANDING UNREST AMONG MINORITIES (Omcial Wireless) (Received May 24, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, May 23 The Times, in a leader on the international crisis, says:— “The British Government's policy is clear to all the world. It is to urge moderation and peaceful methods, to promote mutual understanding of the difficulties, and, above all, to face the fundamental problem of unrest among minorities and press for its solution. The Daily Telegraph says: “After a week-end of international anxiety as grave in its potentialities as any crisis since 1914 the* lessening of the tension in Central Europe reported today deserved a wele-c-me and encouragement for the respite it offers to conciliatory statesman-ship.”

The Daily Express and the Daily Mail reiterate the necessity for Britain to keep out of European quarrels.

The News-Chronicle, in its leading columns, says:

“It is certain that in the present situation the German Government could without violence obtain any reasonable conditions which may be demanded. Nothing but absolutely unacceptable demands would drive the Czech Government to open resistance. If, in tlie face of this fact, the threat of force is maintained, there can be no question as to where the responsibility for the result will lie.”

HERR HENLEIN

LEADER OF SUDETEN GERMANS RECEIVED BY PRIME MINISTER United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 24, II a.m.) PRAGUE, May 23 Dr. Hodza. Prin r Minister of Czechoslovakia. has received Herr llenlein, leader of the Sudeten Germans.