CZECH PLAN FOR SHORTENS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22496, 2 September 1938, Page 11

CZECH PLAN FOR SHORTENS

Cultural Autonomy Offered

FIRST LIST OP CONCESSIONS

Canton System As i '' 1 Second I Stage

ftnrrrEß prese asiociattow coptribbt • (Received September 1, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, August 31. A message from Prague says Lord Runciman again iad a conference with the Sudeten deputy, Herr Ktmdt. The Prague , correspondent oi Reuter’s states that the President (Dr. Benes) is expected to proclaim, on Friday, a plar urging that the Czech-Sudeten problem be attacked in two stages, The immediate programme comprises:—(1) The national groups receive specified propo® *pns of the share in the administrate ) the Germans getting 30 per ceiW (2) That naflSnals be employed, where possible, in Government posts in their own districts, except m defence. y (3) That the CzWh police in nonCzech districts be \ reduced gradually.

(4) The modification of the language law.

(5) A loan for public works, part of it applicable to the Sudeten areas. (6) That cultural autonomy be permissible in each district.

The introduction of the canton system comprises the second stage of the plan.

BRITISH POLICY CONSIDERED *

AMBASSADOR RETURNS TO BERLIN

(BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.! RUGBY, August 31. The British Ambassador (Sir Nevik Henderson) has arrived in Berlin. The Ministerial consultations with which Sir Nevile Henderson was associated while in London enabled him to return to his post with a full and intimate knowledge of what is in the minds of jia> Prime Minister (Mr Neville and his cplleagues. is now generally appreciated that Sir Nevile Henderson was not recalled for the purpose of receiving instructions on any new communication to Germany.

While British official circles are not unmindful of the influence which Herr Hitler can exercise on the Sudetens in the sense of moderation and self-control and the of constructive conciliation, at the present moment, the new phase of the negotiations in Prague is recognised as constituting a key to progress in the direction of an agreed settlement, and news of the development of the recent tentative contacts into regular discussions between the two sides is hopefully awaited.

Press messages from Prague report that the Runciman mission was very active to-day. The United States Ambassador (Mr Joseph Kennedy), who called yesterday on Mr Chamberlain, had an interview to-day with the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax). The French Ambassador (M. Charles Corbin), who has just returned from Paris, also called, presumably to learn direct from Lord Halifax the 'attitude of Britain and to inform Lord Halifax of the view taken of the situation in Paris following the meeting of the French Cabinet. The tension throughout Europe is relaxing slightly until the weekend, when Herr Hitler is likely to make a decision on his attitude to the Czech-Sudeten dispute, after seeing the British Ambassador (Sir Nevile Henderson).

.ff'he prevailing note of the German press comment has changed in the last 14 hours. The editorials now emphasise more strongly that the responsibility for a satisfactory solution now rests with Britain. The slackening of the anti-British and anti-Czech attacks is attributed to the growing belief in authoritative circles that Britain is bringing pressure to bear on the Czechs to yield to Herr Henlein. Official circles in London do not deny that the United States Ambassador ,(Mr Joseph P. Kennedy) gave certain assurances, and they affirm reports that the United States is keenly interested in a peaceful settlement, concerning which America has expressed appreciation ®f Britain’s efforts.