CZECH COMMUNISTS EXTEND GRIP

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25428, 26 February 1948, Page 7

CZECH COMMUNISTS EXTEND GRIP

“In Virtual Control Of Administration” AGREEMENT WITH SOCIAL DEMOCRATS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON. February 25. The Communist Party last night was in virtual control of the entire Czechoslovak government machine except the office of President Benes. Action committees of workers under Communist leadership were spreading’throughout the country, and according to late reports had taken over control of some towns. They were co-operating witft the Communist-controlled police, says the Prague correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” and appeared to have taken over where the police were not in full control. In addition, action committees took charge in factories, offices, and ministries.

The paper mills, all of which are nationalised, are refusing to supply paper to non-Communist newspapers, most of which have already been silenced or commandeered. These include the “Obzory,” the weekly newspaper of the Catholic People’s Party, noted for its pro-Western views. It is now a Communist organ.

The Prague radio yesterday broadcast a joint statement signed by Mr Z. Fierlinger, now leader of the Social Democrat Party, and the Communist Minister of Industry (Mrs Jankoyova) saying that the Communist and Social Democrat parties had agreed to form a new Government.

The Prime Minister (Mr Gottwald) is drafting a new Cabinet list, which he is expected to present to Dr. Benes before the President broadcasts to the nation to-day.

The Prague correspondent of the “Daily Herald” says that Dr. Benes was advised yesterday by friends to leave the country, but he refused. •