POINTS OF AGREEMENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 145, 22 June 1938, Page 11

POINTS OF AGREEMENT

CZECHS AND GERMANS

POSITION MUCH IMPROVED

ANNOUNCEMENT SHORTLY

LONDON, June 21

! The Australian Associated Press understands that, barring unforeseen happenings, the best Czechoslovak news since the crisis is anticipated later this week, when it is hoped that an announcement will be made of several points of agreement between-Dr. Hod-, za, Premier of Czechoslovakia, and Herr Henlein, leader of the Sudeten Germans, including a minority statute.

These will be essentially preliminary points.'tantamount to, an agreement to negotiate a major agreement, but psychologically they will be most important. Undoubtedly, whatever the ul-

timate outcome, Dr. Benes, President of Czechoslovakia, is anxious for an early move to be made.

British quarters confirm the fact that the position is much better than a fortnight ago, but limit comment to "so far, so good."

NEED FOR RESTRAINT

BRITISH CONCERN (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 20. Asked in the House of Commons whether, in view of the prejudical effect of external propaganda on the conclusion' of a satisfactory agreement between the Czechoslovak Government and the Sudeten Germans, the Government would make proposals to interested Governments in Europe with a view to securing the cessation of all such propaganda during the period of the negotiations, the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. R. A. Butler, referred to statements by the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, on May 23 and June i 4 that the principal concern of his Majesty's Government had been to use all its influence for the exercise of restraint.

Mr. Butler added: "The absence of such restraint, as honourable members rightly point out, must increase the difficulty of reaching a successful issue to the negotiations."