PREMIER GOES NORTH WITH FISHING RODS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 206, 1 September 1938, Page 11

PREMIER GOES NORTH WITH FISHING RODS.

HOPEFUL PORTENT? Lull in Europe's Tension Till Week-End. HITLER DECISION AWAITED. United Tress Association.—Copyright. (HeeelvpiT 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 31. In those moments of tension there is eagerness to find some hopeful portents, hence it is not surprising that omphasia is being given the fact that Mr. Chamberlain has taken his fishing rods to Scotland, which is interpreted to mean he would not be prepared for indulgence in his favourite hobby if he felt peace was in imminent peril. The tension throughout Europe ja relaxing slightly until the week-end when Heir Hitler is likely to make his decision after ■ seeing Sir Nevile Henderson, British Ambassador, who has returned from London. The prevailing note in the German Press comment has changed in the last 24 hours. Editorials- are emphasising more strongly that the responsibility for a satisfactory solution now rests on Britain. The slackening of • anti-British and anti-Czech attacks is attributed to the growing belief of those in authoritative circles that Britain is bringing pressure to bear on the Czechs, to yield to Herr Henlein'g demands.

Official circles in London do not deny that Mr. J. P. Kennedy, 'American Ambassador, has given certain assurances and affirmed that the United States is keenly interested in a peaceful settlement. America appreciates Britain's efforts.

'A Prague message states that Viseount Runcimah again had a conference with Herr Kundt, Henlein Deputy. <

The next 24 hours will reveal what prospect there is of a renewal of direct negotiations. The Czech Prime Minister, Dr. Hodza, is expected to make an important report to the Cabinet either to-day or to-morrow.

It in suggested that the Sudeten Germans should have three out of 20 cantons with their own Diet, sending members to the central Parliament in Prague, but there must first be a ■olution providing juridical entity and full equality of status for the Sudeten Germans.

Regarding this, it is believed Dr. Benes yesterday told Herr Kundt how far the Government was prepared to*go. QUICK ACTION NEEDED. BRITAIN "IN FIRING LINE." (Received 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. Tlie Marquess of Lothian, leader of the British delegation to the British Commonwealth Relations Conference, 'eaid that Britain was trying to remove the danger of war in Europe, but she was in the firing line. "Thik is a time when quick action must be taken —a time when it is often not possible to •wait Dominion opinion before certain steps are taken."

NO DISSENSION. BRITAIN'S UNITED FRONT. RUGBY, August 31. Speaking at Caithness the leader of the Opposition Liberals in the House of tommons, Sir Archibald Sinclair, referred to Sir John Simon's speech on British policy and said that in giving i .*arning by the mouth of the Chancellor of the Exchequer Britain had the whole country behind her. It would be well, Sir Archibald thought, if those concerned realised that if they forced this issue they could aot count on any dissension in British public opinion, but that they would be , confronted by united opinion.