REPORTS OF MUCH SABOTAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 298, 28 September 1938, Page 6

REPORTS OF MUCH SABOTAGE.

ARMS FACTORIES EXPLOSIONS. RESISTANCE TO WAR SHOWN. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, September 27. The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says Herr Hitler must have been aware, before his speech, of the growing internal resistance against war. Reports reached London yesterday of serious explosions in various armament factories. One big chemical works in Saxony was reported to have been seriously damaged. A strong military force rushed up, and several workmen were arrested.

Similar incidents are reported in Upper Austria. Army units in Bavaria demonstrated against war. It is also stated that there was similar trouble with the armed forces in Styria and near Vienna. Serious sabotage occurred at the B.M.W. motor works, engaged in aeroplane engine production, the workers declaring: “We want peace and decent wages—not war.” The tone of Herr Hitler’s speech has fully confirmed British Ministerial impressions regarding the Fuhrer’s frame of mind, namely, desperation and fanatical exultation. A clue to the future may be found in the threat to liberate the Su-detens on October I. Britain is unable to detect a reassuring note, in spite of the efforts of German official circles to explain that the speech should be regarded as conciliatory. It is felt in London that Herr Hitler’s speech characterised him as a man who has got in an intolerably tight corner and is unable to see his way out. “WAR NOT WORTH WHILE.” MUSSOLINI URGES SETTLEMENT ROME, September 26. Signor Mussolini said it was not worth while to make a- universal war for Czechoslovakia. If the Czechs were left to rely on their own forces they would conclude it was not worth while to resort to bloodshed. Deploring the attitude of Dr. Benes, at which the crowd booed, he said all who opposed Italy in any way at Geneva would finish that way. It was still to be hoped that the Czechs at the last moment would let reason speak and avoid a. conflict, the final outcome of which could not be doubted. “Still, one must foresee a stage at which the character of the conflicts would he such as to involve us directly. Then we shall not hesitate,” he said. “Italy still hopes that the conflict can be localised but now thinks this is dubious. It is useless for diplomats to weary themselves trying to save the Versailles Treaty, the fate of which they are deciding this week. “We are in favour of a new Europe which will conciliate all peoples. This week it should be possible to settle for a long time all European difficulties, and make a- general agreement which will (permit reconciliation. Italy ardently hopes for such an agreement.” THE PRICE OF FOODSTUFFS. PRESENT LEVEL FOR FORTNIGHT LONDON, September 26. Mr Herbert Morrison (chairman of the Air Raids Precaution Committee), addressing a. public meeting, said: “In this critical hour when our country, with the rest of Europe, is facing the finely balanced alternatives of peace and war, air raid precautions are a matter of the greatest urgency and importance to every London citizen. There are enormous advantages in early preparation and organisation. “I therefore urge all those who have no other task to discharge for public service immediately to enrol and see to it that London maintains its reputation for civic order.” It is announced that at the request of the Food Defence Plans Department the provision exchanges of the country have decided that the prices of bacon, hams, butter, cheese, lard, cooking fat, and margarine are to remain at their present level for a fortnight.

A statement was issued after a meeting of the National Federation of Meat Traders assuring the public that a practical scheme of control and rationing is available to be put into immediate operation in case of need.