ZERO HOUR

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 229, 28 September 1938, Page 11

ZERO HOUR

Czechs' Brief Respite

EUROPE ASTOUNDED

(Received 2 p.m.)

LONDON, September 27. The news from Germany that 2 p.m. on Wednesday was the zero hour came as a complete surprise to the Press and public throughout Britain and France. It was thought the crisis would come on Saturday, but now, according to "The Times" Berlin correspondent, (he time limit for acceptance has been fixed at 2 p.m. to-morrow in order that the Czech Army, in the event of acceptance, could quit Sudeten areas by Saturday. The world overlooked the difference between acceptance or non-acceptance, and in the event of acceptance the accomplishment of the exodus of the Czechs. Thus the world faces the , culmination of the crisis a few hours hence instead of on Saturday. A message from Paris states: "The report that Herr Hitler advanced the time limit was received here with something like stupefaction, even in well-informed circles. 'The Times" Berlin representative reports that the official news agency states that Sudeten areas at Asch, Schluckenau and Rumberg were cleared of Czech and Communist bands and were cut off from the rest of Czechoslovakia and were being wholly controlled by German Sudeten party. Post offices are working only with Germany. German official circles were deeply impressed by Mr. Chamberlain's broadcast. They state the main point is whether it is possible for Germany to prolong tRe time limit a few days. The statement has not yet been published in the newspapers. It is believed, according to official information, that Germany has now 30 divisions on the Czech frontier. The Czech army totals 20 divisions.