GERMAN AND CZECH LEADERS CONFER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 120, 24 May 1938, Page 7

GERMAN AND CZECH LEADERS CONFER.

THREE-HOUR TALK.

Sported Discussion of | Draft Statute, f

BIGHTS OF MINORITIES. , I Urfitcd Tress Association.—Copyright.

(Ileeeived 12 noon i LONDON, May 23.iS u "Daily Telegraph" Prague corresjpondent states that Dr. Hodza, Czetih Prime Minister, and Herr HenleiiV German leader, conferiod t'<>r nearly three hours.

Siisleten circles state that the conversations were "not unfavourable," and that Jthc purpose is to clarify and tranquill tie the situation. The Government issued an official statement in identical terms as the Sudeten statement. It is understood the conviwsatioiis will continue to-morrow. It ffis reported that Dr. Hodza submitted the draft statute applying to all non-Cfaechoslovak nationalities, granting full V.'cal autonomy, but refusing to sanctittn anything which would enable the Nhv-i majority to tyrannise the nonNazi (Herman minority. Feelhig in Government circles is that the futiure will depend on Germany's decision!'.

The IDaily Telegraph" Berlin representative fays it is stated in Berlin that nothing Jfless than full autonomy to the Sudeten iiGermans will be regarded as an adequate* concession. Only the meet optimistfite expect more than a postponement ofkthe crisis. "The Times" Berlin correspondent gays the view is that the situation has >not improved, but has grown worse.

BRITISH PRESS VIEWS.

ISOLATION POLICY URGED.

British Official Wireless. J j (Received 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, May 23. "The Times," in a leader on the international) crisis, says: "The British Government's policy is clear to all the world. It is to urge moderation and peaceful methods to promote mutual understanding of, difficulties, and above all to face the fundamental problem of unrest amongjminonities and pregs for its solution."

The'"Daily Telegraph" says: "After a week-end of international anxiety as grave in its potentialities as any crisis since 5914, the lessening of tension in Central* Europe reported to-day deserves a welcome and encouragement for the respite it offers to conciliatory statesmanship."

The "Daily Express" and the "DailyMail" both reiterate the necessity for Britain to keep out of European quarrels.

The "News Chronicle" says: "It is certain >that in the present situation the German Government could, without violence, obtain any reasonable conditions yvhich may be demanded. Nothing but absolutely unacceptable demands would drive the Czech Government to open .resistance. If, in the face of this fact, the threat of force is still maintained there can be no question where the responsibility for the result will be."