MORE DEMONSTRATIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 73, 23 September 1938, Page 9

MORE DEMONSTRATIONS

CROWDS IN PRAGUE

APPEAL FOR UNITY

(Received September 23, 1 p.m.)

PRAGUE, September 22,

Demonstrations were resumed in Prague early this morning. The crowds were orderly but less goodtempered than last night, women screaming continuously. Many factories closed, the workers pouring into the city and, traffic was stopped in the centre of the city by processions converging on the Presidents' Palace and the Legation Quarters. There was much oratory, but the speakers did not seem to be clear about the real position. Some people imagine that Herr Hitler is already on the way to Prague.

The President, Dr. Benes, in a broadcast speech, said: "We are ready for every possibility and plans have been made for all contingencies. I ask the people to remain quiet and to face the situation with composure."

Another broadcast asked all former legionnaires to hold themselves ready to serve their country if necessary. The women attached to the British Legation were instructed to leave Prague by the first train. An official broadcast stated that all responsible leaders had placed themselves at the disposal of the President. The retiring Government, upon whom devolved the painful duty of submitting to the dictates of the Western Powers, were most anxious that a new Government should be established on the broadest basis, being representative of all sections of the people, and also comprising military officials because the situation demands discipline and unity of public and military adminstration. One hundred thousand copies of a leaflet circulated by influential Parliamentarians of all parties urged citizens to hold fast and defend the frontiers. They also urged President Benes to take the direction of affairs into his own hands, relying on the full support of the nation.