SIROVY’S DUTY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 301, 1 October 1938, Page 7

SIROVY’S DUTY.

PRESERVATION OF NATION. USELES9 FIGHT OR SACRIFICE. REBUILDING OF THE STATE. (Received This Day* 11.30 a.m') PRAGUE, September 30. The Premier (General Sirovy), broadcasting, said: “This is the most difficult moment of my life. I have taken the decision to save life and also to save the nation. Superior force compelled us to accept. My duty was to consider everything. As a soldier I had to choose a way to peace. The nation will be stronger and more united. We have chosen the only right course. The four Powers decided to ask from us abdication of. German territories. Wo hadi to choose between a useless fight and sacrifices. We have accepted un-heard-of sacrifices. We had to choose between the death of the nation and abdication of some territories. The main thing is that we are remaining ourselves*. We must be united. I appeal) to the people to maintain confidence in their leaders. Our main conV cern must be to rebuild the State.” General Kegei 'followed! General SirLvovy, calling on the army to remain steadfast in the face of Western Europe’s categorical demand for sacrifices. The Labour leaders then appealed for loyalty from the unions. “The terms imposed are unique in the history of mankind. We had to capitulate because we were deserted by all the States of Europe. We stand alone while all around are nations armed to the teeth, We could not allow the Army, to which we give our thanks, to fight against such overwhelming odds. Wle call on the nation to bear its painful suffering with composure and dignity and try to seek happiness within narrower frontiers.” Solemn crowds listened to the speech with utter dejection, but there was no demonstration. The full terms imposed on Czechoslovakia are not known to the public. All radio programmes have been cancelled as a sign of national mourning, only half an hour’s news bulletins being, permitted. THE GERMAN ENTRY. ACROSS FRONTIER AT MIDNIGHT. STATEMENT IN FRENCH PRESS. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m. ) PARIS, September 30. Havas News Agency, quoting an authoritative German source, says that the first German troops will cross the Czech border at midnight. THE TENSION RELAXED. BRITISH ANTI-AIRCRAFT UNITS. GRANTING OF LIMITED LEAVE. (Received This Day, 0.40 a.m.) . LONDON, September 30. The War Office has granted limited leave to the anti-aircraft and coast defence units of the Territorials, but all equipment remains in position. DEMOBILISATION IN FRANCE. TO START IN A FEW DAYS. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, Sept, 30. The Paris 1 correspondent of the British United Press says that Cabinet has decided to begin demobilisation in a few days.