FOUR-POWER CONFERENCE REACHES AN AGREEMENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 300, 30 September 1938, Page 5

FOUR-POWER CONFERENCE REACHES AN AGREEMENT

DOCUMENT SIGNED AT MUNICH

NAZI OCCUPATION OF SUDETENLAND THE FIRST ENTRY TO-MORROW O NLY SHALLOW AREA IN MEANTIME COMPLETION BY MONDAY WEEK ; ——' ——— (United Press Association—Copyright.) Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, September 29. A Munich message states that the German spokesman announced that the four-Power conference on the Sudetenland problem agreed on the main essentials, only technical difficulties being outstanding. ' Subsequently the spokesman announced that the conference will reassemble at 10 p.m. to sign the agreement and will probably adjourn at 11. p.m. The spokesman added that the German occupation of Sudetenland will begin on Saturday, probably along the entire border, but to an inconsiderable depth. Occupation of the predominantly German zone will gradually be completed by October 10 up to the line of demarcation shown on maps which have already been handed to Czech representatives for transmission to Prague. , Further details have not been revealed. The spokesman added that the agreement provides plebiscites for Polish and Hungarian minorities as well as German on a date he was unable to reveal. He added that Germany, with the other Powers, would guarantee the Czech frontiers. • (Received This Day, 1.25 p.m.) MUNICH, September 30. The four-Power agreement has been signed.

PLAN OUTLINE

OBJECT TO ACHIEVE. NO VIOLENCE OR BLOODSHED. EVACUATION BY MONDAY. ■ DEFINING PLEBISCITE AREAS. (Received This Day, 9.15 a.m.) MUNICH, September 29. The German spokesman said that the object was to achieve the aims of the conference in Czechoslovakia without violence or bloodshed. He added that one of the difficulties was getting details of the plan, including the area to be evacuated, to Prague soon enough to enable the Czechs to carry out the plan by Saturday. If the plan were acceptable, maps and details would probably be handed to the Czech Ministers in London and Berlin for transmission to Prague.

SIX PROVISIONS. THE AREAS TO BE CONCEDED. INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION - TO DELIMIT. THE PRESERVATION OF ORDER. GUARANTEE OF FRONTIERS. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 12.50 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Mail” learns that the plan discussed was- set out in the Notes sent by Mr Chamberlain yesterday to the Czechs, to Herr Hitler and to Rome, and accepted by the Czechs with certain reservations. The plan provides: Firstly, the Germans to occupy the Asch and Eger areas on Saturday. Secondly, an international commission, probably under Viscount Runciman, to be set up to delimit the areas that can be ceded to Germany, the commission to study economic features and d&cide the material goods that can be handed; over. Thirdly,: the 1 areas ceded to be divided into two parts, the first to be handed over on October 15, and the second on October 31. Fourthly, an international military force consisting probably of British, Italian, Belgian and Dutch troops to police the area and protect the Czechs while the Czechs withdraw their mobile frontier defences. Fifthly, after October 31 the areas where plebiscites will be held are to be considered. As those under Czech sovereignty, it is impossible to send armed foreign troops for police purposes. This will prob- ' ably be done by civilian corps, the British Legion being the likeliest. Sixth, the new frontiers will be guaranteed by France, Britain, Italy and Germany, France and Britain guaranteeing to Germany that the Czechs will carry out their part of the Franco-British agreement. NOT OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Received This Day, 11-O a.m.) MUNICH, September 29. fhe information from the German spokesman already cabled cannot be regarded as an official communique. The spokesman said there was no offieial confirmation of this.

Reports are current that a shallow area of Sudeten territory is to be evacuated by the Czechs and occupied by German troops on Monday. Within a week after that the territory will be designated where a plebiscite will be held under control by British, French and Italian troops. THE DISCUSSION FRIENDLY. DETERMINATION TO SEEK PEACE LEGAL EXPERTS CALLED IN. (Received This Day, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 29. It is reported from Munich that the British spokesman, after the confer-" ence, said: "The discussions were friendly. There are still a/ number of points to discuss.” Italian journalists were officially informed that Signor Mussolini hopes to entrain for Rome at midnight. Signor Mussolini and Count Ciano are elated over tlie results of the conference. Mr Chamberlain, on returning to his hotel, appeared cheerful and satisfied with the progress made. A throng of people outside, and guests inside cheered, "heils” and “boohs” mingling with cheers and hand-clapping. In the lobby of the hotel servants rushed to the staircase and joined in the applause. Sir Horace Wilson said: “Wo have been in consultation since mid-day almost without interruption. There are many points to be considered and discussed. All sides are determined to let nothing stand in the way of agreement.”

A communique is expected later. According to Italian circles, the second phase of the occupation, of the predominantly German districts would he by British, French and Italian troops. Another indication that the conference has been successful is that instructions have been given to the delegations to be accompanied by legal exports when the conference is resumed at 10 p.m.