All-Night Talk At Godesberg

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 9

All-Night Talk At Godesberg

PREMIER AND HITLER SEQUEL TO LETTER FROM CHAMBERLAIN RETURNING TO LONDON (L*nit<xl Tress Association.—Copyright.— Rec. 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, this day. While observers waited tensely and speculated as to the progress of the conversations, Mr. Chamberlain remained in his hotel at Godesberg all day yesterday and di not leave to see Herr Hitler, probably For the last time on this visit, until late at night. Meanwhile, the sound of big guns, from what German officials claimed to be normal troop manoeuvres, added to the impressiveness of the long and comparatively silent hours. Mr. Chamberlain, accompanied by Sir Nevile Henderson and Sir Horace Wilson, left their hotel at 10.15 p.m. to meet Herr Hitler, and their conference lasted till 1.25 this morning. After seeing Herr Hitler it is expected that the Prime Minister will leave for London by air early to-day, according to an announcement made by Sir Horace Wilson at Godesberg. The entire British delegation will also return to-day. It is also reported from Godesberg that Mr. Chamberlain at 3.35 p.m. yesterday received a reply to a letter which he had sent to Herr Hitler in the morning. In London it is unofficially understood that Mr. Chamberlain requested an assurance from the Fuehrer that there would be no incursion of German troops into Czechoslovakia during the talks. Mr. Chamberlain was fully acquainted with the feeling aroused by rumours of capitulation to Herr Hitler and he was believed to be taking a firm stand against any concessions beyond the secession of the Sudetenland. It is understood that a majority of the Cabinet supported Mr. Chamberlain in this request. The thunder of heavy artillery was clearly heard in Mr. Chamberlain s hotel at Godesberg during the morning. It was explained, however, that trtoops were merely carrying out their normal manoeuvres. The German Propaganda Ministry announced that as Herr Hitler s reply had to be translated when it was received by Mr. Chamberlain, it was doubtful whether further personal contact between them before 5 p.m. would be possible. At that time, it is reported from Godesberg, Dr. Schmidt, who had acted as interpreter, left Mr. Chamberlain after 90 minutes' conference. Reuters correspondent at Godesberg says that Mr. Chamberlain will be seeing Herr Hitler to say good-bye.