BENES APPEALS FOR CALM

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 297, 12 September 1938, Page 9

BENES APPEALS FOR CALM

Czechs Doing Utmost

For Peace

OPTIMISM STRONGER THAN EVER Political Justice In True Spirit Of Democracy By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received Sept. 11, 6.30 p.m.) PRAGUE, September 10. President Benes, in a broadcast speech to-day, appealed for calm judgment. He refrained from referring to the international situation, and emphasised Czechoslovakia’s peaceful, progressive development. He added that world events compelled her to accelerate her actions, but her spirit had not altered

“We are endeavouring,” he said, “to satisfy claims of both States and nationalities, while guaranteeing the individual’s receiving the maximum degree of political justice in the spirit of true democracy. For this reason we presented our latest proposals.

"We want to establish good relations with our neighbours, especially Greater Germany, thus proving to America and Europe—particularly Britain and France —that we understand that we shall have to fulfil the duties imposed on us by general collaboration.

• “We must re-establish confidence and co-operation between the two great nationalities of our republic, and ensure the peaceful development for which we are working, not only in tlie interests of Europe and the world, but of our own towns, factories and families.

"Circumstances compel us to be the first people to make a just settlement of the nationalities’ problem, but we shall not be the last. A solution entails sacrifice, but we are determined to do our utmost for peace. I have an unshakeable faith in our States, its powers, its resistance, its magnificent army and its invincible spirit. My optimism is stronger than ever."

BRITISH NAVY TAKES PRECAUTIONS LONDON, .September 9. It is learned that the Admiralty is bringing the First Mine-sweeping Flotilla—namely. II M.S. Hebe. Hazard, Sharpshooter, Hussar, Salamander, Speedwell, and Niger—which is at present lying in port, up to full complement; also to bring the mine-laying destroyers Versatile, Vimy, Vortigeru, and Walker, at present at Portsmouth and Devonport, up to full commission from the reserve. It is understod that this decision is a precautionary measure in view of the European outlook. RECORD GOLD FLOW TO U.S.A. WASHINGTON, September 9. Tiie Commerce Department has reported the heaviest influx of gold to the United States from Europe during the week ended September 2. It totalled 87.769,000 dollars, adding ■to the record-breaking transfer of 13,200,000.000 dollars’ worth of gold already here- Of the total 65,653,000 dollars’ worth came from Britain.