CALL FOR. CALM

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 225, 23 September 1938, Page 7

CALL FOR. CALM

Chamberlain's Advice

CZECH PRESIDENT'S PLEA

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, September 22

Sir Horace Wilson, who is associated with Mr. Chamberlain in the negotiations with Herr Hitler, issued a statement from the Prime Minister, saying: "The Prime Minister had a conversation with Herr Hitler beginning at 4 p.m. and continuing until shortly after 7 p.m. It is intended to resume the conversations in the morning.

"In the meantime the first essential, in the opinion of the Prime Minister, is thait there should be determination on the part of all parties concerned to ensure local conditions in Czechoslovakia such (as will not interfere with the progress of the conversations. '

"TKe Prime Minister appeals most earnestly to everybody to assist in maintaining a state of orderliness and refrain from friction likely to lead to incidents. Dr. Benes broadcast from' Prague: "Changes are occurring throughout Europe, not only in our country. We must face the changes with calm unity. 1 have no fear for the future of our nation. 1 have made plans and we cannot be surprised by events. 1 am ready for any understanding favourable to Czechoslovakia •«d European pacification, and for collaboration with France *nd Britain and Germany. "I call on you to preserve calm and await developments fearlessly. We are prepared, if necessary, to fight to the last man for our rights, just as we are prepared to negotiate if we are tivan the way. "It i* to our honour that our policy Is firm. Do not lose optimism and common sense. Our adversaries expect trouble •nd would take advantage of a situation of unrest therefore calm is essential. Do not fear for the future of the Fatherland. There will be agreement between Britain and Germaigr and Czechoslovakia and Germany, and between us an as Europe."