SOVIET STAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 21 September 1938, Page 11

SOVIET STAND.

TREATY WITH CZECHS.

May Not Fight if France

Does Not.

HELP AS IN SPAIN AND CHINA.

(Received 10.30 a.m.)

LONDON, September 20.

It is authoritatively learned, states the Geneva correspondent of the British United Press, that Russia will adhere to the Czech-Russian Treaty binding the Soviet to intervene only if France assists the Czechs, but it is believed that if Prance does not fight, the Soviet will give the Czechs unofficial aid similarly to that given Spain and China.

Dr. K. Gottwald, president of the Czech Communist party, says a Prague message, in a statement before the permanent committee of Parliament, said: "There is no person in Czechoslovakia with powers to carry through something against which stands united the whole Czechoslovak people, besides the masses of supporters of Herr Henlein, who demand a just settlement without occupation by the Reich.

"Britain and France for the last 20 years have demanded that we should maintain our frontiers in the interests of the defence of Central and Eastern Europe against the German drive to the east. We are sure the British and French peoples think differently from the Ministers at the London conference.

"We shall not stand by and let the republic be destroyed, but will defend ourselves in the sure knowledge that Russia will be loyal to her treaty."

The Prime Minister, Dr. Hodza, said the Government would do everything to assure that the interests of the country and people were not violated.

PROUD TO BE FEARED.

New Fascist Italy Like Rock of

Granite.

IL DUOE SEES BAY OF LIGHT.

(Received 10.30 a.m.)

UDINE, September 20.

Signor Mussolini arrived here from Groizift. He said there was a ray of light on the horizon, but no pronouncement was possible until the curtain had fallen on all acts of the drama which Italy was prepared to face.

After comparing Italy now with 1922, he said: "We are proud to be feared. The world must learn and understand that the new, Fascist, warlike Italy is now like a granite rock."

FRENCH PRESSURE.

Prime Minister Answers Point-

Blank Questions.

WILL NOT BOW TO GERMANY.

LONDON", September 20. During the French Cabinet's discussion of the peace plan, says the Paris correspondent of "The Times," the Minister for Colonies, M. Georges Mandel, asked point-blank whether in the event of the Czech refusal of the proposals France would bow before a German attack upon her ally.

The Prime Minister, M. Daladier replied: "Xo." '

Another Minister asked whether M Daladier had informed Prague that neither Britain nor France would stand by Czechoslovakia if the proposals were refused.

M. Daladier again replied: "Xo But no more friendly pressure will be exercised on Prague."

Nevertheless, it is clear the French Government » pressing Prague to accept the plan. ° Madame Tabouis, writing in! LOeuvre, says Prague's reply will bel uncategoncal The Government wants I time Probably Parliament will be!. convoked and a conference arnon--France, Britain, Germany and Czechoslovakia is likelv. Telephonic contacts with London and Pans were continuous during the meeting of the Czech Cabinet, which is *till sitting. It is expected the Cabinet will meet again to-night after the completion of an exchange of views with Britain and France. Several German newspapers demand the disappearance of the Czech State, says a message from Berlin. i