FATEFUL ISSUE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 77, 28 September 1938, Page 13

FATEFUL ISSUE

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BRITISH PRESS COMMENTS

TURNING POINT FOR HITLER?

LONDON, September 27. London Press comment on Herr Hitler's speech is as follows: —

The "Daily Telegraph" says:—"Herr Hitler's speech, teeming with invective, was the worst possible contribution towards the needful pacification of minds and tempers. The best that can be said is, that while it slammed the door, it did not inevitably bolt and bar it. It carries us no further, but days of grace still remain. It is preposterous to pretend that his scheme bears the slightest resemblance Ito the Anglo-French plan. Statements ' such as the one that his claim against j the Czechs would be his last European ' territorial demand have been previously completely denied by subseI quent events. Nevertheless, he did not I entirely burn his boats last night, as there seemed reason to fear. There is ! still a breathing space, but Berlin must show a new spirit of compromise if it is to be fruitfully used. • "This may be the.turning point in Herr Hitler's whole career. The fateful issue before Europe is that France will aid Czechoslovakia if Czechoslovakia is attacked and that Britain and Russia will certainly stand by France." ENLIGHTENMENT ABOUT ISSUES. "The Times" says:—"Herr Hitler's speech in a tempestuous and rather offensive statement of a perfectly reasonable case—namely, the right of the Sudetens to unite with the Reich, —does not seem absolutely to close the door against negotiation. Though Herr Hitler said the German part of Czechoslovakia must become German 'now, at once,' if he carries out his threat forcibly the Germans are likely to be sharply undeceived as the result of his implication that they will find only Dr. Benes against them. The speech, however, will have done much to enlighten the world about the issues at stake. The question of the separating of the races has already been resolved, but the difference of method is due to a complete difference of outlook between Germany and France and Britain. The time limit is too short. Grave doubts can be entertained about the future of Czechoslovakia, despite Herr Hitler's announcements about arrdngements to include Hungary and Poland .when the minority questions are settled. Mr. Roosevelt's message appeals to the right-minded-ness of every nation. Britain is determined that justice shall prevail, and even now it can prevail without the vise of force." NO COMFORT IN THE SPEECH. The "Manchester Guardian," in a leader, says: "Efforts were again made yesterday to stop the tide bearing us rapidly towards the war that everyone with a conscience for humanity dreads and detests. There is no comfort to be derived from Herr Hitler's speech. He suggests -no further negotiations, nor does he open a path leading to peace. His ultimatum is maintained. We should make a good showing if tested. Our resources and adaptability will not fail." The "Daily Herald" today says:—"ll could not previously be said with certainty that Herr Hitler knew, as he does now, that he could not invade Czechoslovakia without making war against Britain, France, and Russia. He must have known when he spoke last night that Britain, France, and Russia will fight as they have pledged to do. The fight will be against tyranny, against injustice, and will be victorious." The "News Chronicle" emphasises the value of President Roosevelt's appeal as proving that American sentiment wholeheartedly supports inter-\ national fair play. The journal adds \ that it is regrettable that it was hidden under the censorship of the Press and radio of unhappy Germany."