TROOPS JOIN THE MALCONTENTS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20915, 21 September 1939, Page 8

TROOPS JOIN THE MALCONTENTS

WOMEN JOIN IN THE FRAY RUTHLESS REPRESSIVE MEASURES THOUSANDS ARRESTED : HUNDREDS EXECUTED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 21, 11.3 D a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 20 The Ministry of Information states that it is learned from authoritative circles that a revolutionary movement started on Sunday in Bohemia and Moravia. It was preceded a few days previously by labour demonstrations in Prague. There were considerable casualties on both sides. Later The Ministry of Information adds that between September 17 and 19 riots occurred in a number of places in Bohemia and Moravia, including Pardubice, Pilsen, Tabor, Pisek and Brno. In the last-named town, a proportion of the German Czech community made common cause with the Czechs.

On September 19 the movement spread to Western Slovakia. The Slovak garrisons at Ruzomberok, Zilina and Trencin revolted and about 15,000 troops have been disarmed.

When the German authorities realised that they were not dealing with sporadic outbursts but with an organised movement ruthless measures were at once taken.

The list of the arrested runs into thousands and those executed into hundreds. The repressive measures do not appear to have had the effect intended.

The fight against superior forces and ruthless tyranny continues with courage and determination.

The fact that this is not just a flash in the pan is shown by the unanimity of purpose, tenacity and discipline of the participants. Those who had no firearms seized any weapons handy.

The labourers’ wives in Prague were content with boards studded with nails, with which to strike at the enemy.

While it lasted the fight was relentless and grim with no quarter given on either side.

In the course of the revolt considerable material dam-

age was done.

Bridges on important railways and roads were demolished, fire stations put out of action, railway rollingstock and material damaged, workshops of important factories bombed and machinery destroyed.

The older classes of Slovak soldiers were the most recalcitrant, consequently the Government has ordered the demobilisation of the reservists of the 30-40 years age group.

PARIS, Sept. 20

The Belgrade correspondent of Le Jour and Echo de Paris, reports a new revolt among troops in Bratislava, where sabotage has assumed dangerous proportions.