LAST PEACE EFFORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 78, 29 September 1938, Page 9

LAST PEACE EFFORT

Chamberlain's Initiative

EXPLANATION TO HOUSE

(British Official. Wireless.) '

(Received September 29, 10 a.m.)

RUGBY, September 28. Ai the'close of a long statement, the Prime Minister announced to the House of Commons that as a. result of a newappeal for peace which he had addressed last night to Herr Hitler, the German Chancellor had today invited him to a meeting tomorrow at Munich, whither he proposed to proceed, as would also Signorv Mussolini and M. Daladier. • After a scene of extraordinary enthusiasm the House of Commons adjourned until Monday, on Mr. Chamberlain's suggestion, to which the two Opposition leaders brought their support in short speeches, the spirit of which was recogmsed in a renewed outburst of enthusiasm. The announcement of tomorrow's meeting and the dramatic new hopes of peace it raises came in passages of the Premier's speech in which a long recital of the events in recent months was brought to a point where, as a last effort to preserve peace, he sent Sir Horace Wilson to Berlin on Monday, with a personal message to Herr Hitler for delivery before his speech at the Sports Palace. Mr. Chamberlain said that the French Ministers had entirely approved this initiative. His letter had pointed out to Herr Hitler that the reception of the German memorandum by the Czechoslovak Government, and public opinion throughout the world, had confirmed the expectations he had expressed at the last meeting at Godesberg. * EFFECT OF NEW PROPOSAL. The new proposal he had made was that with a view to arriving at a settlement by negotiation thfere should be an immediate dis- , cussion between tlie German and Czechoslovak representatives in the presence of British representatives. .Herr Hitler, however, expressed the view that he could not depart from the procedure of the Godesberg memorandum. On Monday night, after reading Herr Hitler's speech, in which he expressed disbelief in tlie intentions of the Czechoslovak Government to carry out its promises, Mr. Chamberlain offered on behalf of the British Governnient to guarantee those promises, and next morning Sir Horace Wilson again saw Herr Hitler, whose view, however, remained unchanged. Therefore, on Mr. Chamberlain's instructions, Sir Horace Wilson repeated to Herr Hitler in precise terms that France would fulfil her obligations to Czechoslovakia in the event of attack upon the latter, and

that should France become engaged in hostilities with Germany the British Government would feel obliged to support her. Dealing with his visits to Berchtesgaden and Godesberg, Mr. Chamberlain said he had no doubt that his visit to Herr Hitler had prevented an invasion of Czechoslovakia. DISPATCH OF LAST APPEAL. Mr. Chamberlain went on: "Now the story I have told the House brings us up to last night. About half-past twelve I received from Herr Hitler a reply to my letter sent by Sir Horace Wilson. Careful perusal of that indicates certain limitations which were not included in the memorandum, and it also gives certain additional assurances. There is, for example, the definite statement that troops will not be moved beyond the red line. They are only to preserve order. The plebiscite is to be carried out with no outside influence, and Herr Hitler will abide by the result; and finally he will join in an international guarantee of the remainder of Czechoslovakia once the minorities question is settled. These are all reassuring statements as far as they go. I have no hesitation in saying, after the personal contact I established with him, that he means what he says. The reflection which was uppermost in my mind when I read the letter to me was that once more the differences and obscurities had been narrowed still further to a point when it was inconceivable that they could not be settled by negotiation. So strongly did I feel it that I felt impelled to send once more a last appeal to the Chancellor. MESSAGES TO HITLER AND MUSSOLINI. "I sent him the following personal message:— "'After reading your letter I feel certain that you can get all the essentials without war and without delay. I am ready to come to Berlin myself at once to discuss arrangements for the transfer with you and with representatives of the Czech Government, together with representatives of France and Italy, if you desire. I feel convinced that we could reach an agreement in a week However much you doubt the Prague Government's intentions, you cannot doubt the power of the British "and French Governments to sec that promises are carried out fairly and forthwith. As you know, I have stated publicly that we are prepared to sec they shall be carried out. 1 cannot believe that you will take the responsibility of starting a world Avar which may end civilisation for the sake of a few days' delay in settling this long-stand-ing problem.' "At the same time I sent the following personal message to Signor Mussolini:—'l have today addressed a last appeal to Herr Hitler to abstain from force to settle the Sudeten problem, which I feel sure can be settled by a short discussion which would give essential territory and protection for the Sudetens and the Czechs. I have offered to go at once to Berlin to discuss arrangements with German and Czech representatives, and, if the Chancellor so desires, with representatives of Italy and France. I trust that your Excellency will inform the German Chancellor that you are willing to be represented and will urge him to agree to my proposal, which will keep all our peoples out of war. 5 MOBILISATION POSTPONED. "In reply to my message to Signor Mussolini I am informed that instructions were sent to the Italian Ambassador in Berlin to see Herr Ribbentrop, the German Foreign Minister, and to say that while Italy would fulfil completely her pledges and stand by

Germany, Signor Mussolini hoped, in view of the great importance of the British Government's request, that Herr Hitler would see his way to postpone action, which the Chancellor had told Sir Horace Wilson would be taken at 2 p.m. today. "Signor Mussolini askpd for at least twenty-four hours' postponement to enable him to re-examine the' situation and find a peaceful settlement. Herr Hitler, in response, has agreed to postpone mobilisation for twenty-four hours, (Loud cheers.) Whatever arc our past views about Signor Mussolini, I believe everyone will welcome his gesture." After referring to the reply from Signor Mussolini, Mr. Chamberlain Came to the most dramatic moment of his speech: "This is hot all. I have something further to say to the House. „ I have now been informed by Herr Hitler that he invites me to meet him in Munich tomorrow. He has also "invited Signor Mussolini and M. Daladier. Signor Mussolini has accepted the invitation, and I have no doubt that M. Daladier will also accept. I need not say what my answer will be." FURTHER CHANCE FOR SETTLEMENT. When the cheering allowed him to resume, Mr. Chamberlain continued: "All of us are patriots, and there can be no member of this House who did not feel his heart leap when he heard that the crisis had been once more postponed and that we are given one more opportunity to try what reason, good will, and discussion can do to settle a problem which is already within sight of settlement." Speaking with increasing emotion which almost prevented him continuing, Mr. Chamberlain concluded: "I cannot say any more except that I know the Housp will be ready to release me now to go and see what I can make of this last effort. Perhaps you may think it well that in view of this new development you should adopt my suggestion to adjourn for a few days, when perhaps we can meet in happier circumstances." The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. C. R. Attlee, said: "I am certain everyone in the House will welcome the statement. I am f sure every member is desirous of neglecting no chance of preserving peace, and, without sacrificing principle, will wish to give the Prime Minister every opportunity of following this new move." (Labour cheers.) The Liberal Leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, expressed relief at the news and gratitude to the Prime Minister for his unsparing exertions. The House adjourned at 3.10 p.m. Members crowded round Mr. Chamberlain, shaking his hands in congratulation.