TO STAND FAST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 187, 21 May 1938, Page 7

TO STAND FAST

INTENTION OF CZECHOSLOVAKIA. PROMISES TO HER ALLIES. GRAVE SITUATION DEVELOPS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Dav, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, May 20. The Prague cdfrespondent of the “Telegraph” says that the political committee of the Henlein party made a declaration making clashes between the Czechs and Germans the excuse for refusal to meet the Czechoslovakian Prime Minister (Dr. Hodza) to discuss the minorities’ statute. The document contains the gravely significant statement- that the committee cannot restrain individual Germans from exercising “the right of elementary self-defence.’’ Coming on the eve of the elections, the talks between Dr. Hodza and Herr Henlein are calculated to create the worst possible atmosphere • and will possibly lead to the gravest consequences, . V

It is regarded as a deliberate attempt to wreck the negotiations and encourage the Sudetens to greater violence. Dr. Hodza announced that the negotiations with the Germans and other minorities were beginning immediately. Whatever happened, Czechoslovakia would stand fast to her allies. He guaranteed that his Government would fulfil reasonable Nationalist demands, but would suppress terrorism rigorously.