MORE HOPEFUL

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

MORE HOPEFUL

HOPE TO AVOID WAR THE POBITION IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA ANGLO-FRENCH FIRMNESS United Pree* As«n.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received May 24, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, May 23 The Australian Associated Press says the relief was evident in the House of Common* after Mr Chamberlain’s statement. Nevertheless, uncertainty must remain, especially as the Ctecho•lovakian election, wfilch Is continuing for two Sundays, embraces some of the most fervent Sudeten towns. The danger remains of the possibility of further troop movements or Incidents provoking a confliot. Britain has firmly told both sides In Czechoslovakia, in addition U> Berlin, that it is to their interest to see that nothing occurs to precipitate war. It appears that Germany, in response to earlier approaches Urging restraint, whs very cool, bill the latest trend of events, particularly Britain's firmness and France’s steadiness, seem to have calmed Germany. Moreover, whereas the tendency on Saturday was lo provocative moving of troops, the attitudes of all sides now appear to be more moderate. TJic immediate task is to restore a sense of proportion between Dr. Hodza and Herr llenlein and to establish a reasonable basis of negotiation.

HASTY DEPARTURE HERR HITLER CHANOEB PLANB IS THE SITUATION WORSE? COUP NARROWLY AVERTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 24, 1 p.m.) LONDON, May 23 The Munich correspondent of the Daily Teegrapli says that Herr Hitler suddenly changed Ills plans to prolong his holiday at Munich and entrained for Berlin, to hold a special meeting with his advisers. His hasty departure has occasioned serious apprehension that the situation has become worse. The Prague correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that it is now possible to say that when the Czechslovak Cabinet met on May 20 reports left no doubt that Germany was planning another week-end coupe d’etat on the lines of that in Austria. The courageous action of the Czechs in manning the defences without excitement but with clockwork precision, combined with diplomatic support from abroad, proved a successful deterrent. It is reliably estimated that the number of men still under arms is 400,000. BERLIN, May 23 Official German quarters emphasise that the situation Is still tense, and a frontier Incident might have far-reaching consequences. Two alleged frontier violations are reported—namely, the plane incident cabled earlier and an allegation that Czech soldiers attempted to set fire to the Czech side of bridges at Ulriehsburg and Holienf.urts. SITUATION EASED EFFECT OF BRITISH STAND A DENIAL BY POLAND (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. copyright) .Received May 24, 1 p.m. LUND UN. May 23 Tiic Polish Embassy denies ilie report that Colonel Beck said that Poland would fight against Germany if she invaded Czechoslovakia. Coio/iel Beck lias left Tor Sweden, indicating that lie no longer regards the situation as critical. PAIUS, May 23 The Government spokesman states that M. Bonnet has conveyed to the British Ambassador warmest appreciation of Britain's altitude. He added that lie confidently anticipated a further improvement in the situation. The newspapers consider I hat the situation lias eased, largely thanks to Britain. The press .in Warsaw and Prague take a similar view.

OVER THE FRONTIER PLANE ORABHEB IN FLAMES GERMAN PRESS CAMPAIGN ATTACK ON CZECHOSLOVAKIA (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received May 24, 11 a.tn.) BERLIN, May 23 It is alleged that a Czech military aeroplane flew over the frontier at Annaberg, and later crashed in flames in Czechoslovakia. The Czechs deny violation of the frontier. 4 # German newspapers have begun a new campaign of attacks on Czechoslovakia in connection wit lithe incident at the Berhartsthal Bridge. NEW ZEALAND TOLD DEVELOPMENTS IN EUROPE * (By Telegraph.—Pigss Association/ WELLINGTON. Monday The New Zealand Government is being kept apprised by the British Government ol developments in the CjgCjjfljlfiVi&Mfi AlilAUMw