CZECHS DETERMINED

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

CZECHS DETERMINED

Still Ready to Negotiate

DEMAND FOR GERMAN PROOF

Professed Love of Peace

The main features of this morning's news concerning the European crisis are a broadcast speech by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and the publication of the Czech reply to the German demands presented,to Mr. Chamberlain at Godesberg. Mr. Chamberlain expressed his horror of war, his understanding of the Czech refusal of Herr Hitler's terms, and surprise that the Fuhrer insists on the immediate surrender of the Sudetenland. He also said that before the British Empire plunged into war it must be satisfied that its cause was sufficient. The reply by Prague is a solemn declaration that the Godesberg plan is "absolutely and unconditionally unacceptable," and states that Czechoslovakia will resist the "cruel demands" to the utmost. The nation relies on the two Western democracies to stand by it in its hour of trial. In an official broadcast, the Czech President said: "We cannot allow the destruction of the life of the nation. Czechoslovakia is nevertheless ready to solve the entire problem by peaceful negotiation and to fulfil the demands of the Anglo-French proposals, however cruel they may be. We demand that Germany, too, should prove her professed love for peace by using peaceful instruments." '

The comment of M. Masaryk, Czech Minister in London, was: "Herr Hitler's speech is so unbelievable, uncultured, and shocking that I am proud of my Government's decision to stand firm against the mentality which is trying to destroy European culture." Official quarters in France and Britain are said to be convinced that the German public are being kept in ignorance of the real situation.

The French Premier, M. Daladier, made the statement: "The struggle for peace is not ended, and negotiations are continuing. Do not believe our diplomacy is inactive. It is manifested today in numerous capitals. France will neglect no possibility for the maintenance of peace." The British United Press correspondent at Moscow reports that Russia is gratified at Britain's declaration that she will support France and Russia if Germany marches. No further clarification of the Soviet attitude is considered necessary.