FIRST ANALYSIS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 80, 1 October 1938, Page 9

FIRST ANALYSIS

THE MUNICH PLAN

DIFFICULTIES SEEN AHEAD

TRANSFER OF THE FORTIFICATIONS

(Received October 1, noon.)

LONDON, September 30. The full text of the early morning peace agreement, flashed all over the world, has brought within a few hours the first critical analysis.

Initial interpretations of the plan fasten on the word, "installations," which, according to the Munich plan, mUst be left untouched. It is generally understood that these include the fortifications, which is a vital matter from the Czech viewpoint.

The question of the international j guarantee of the Czechoslovak boun- j daries has also been raised, in which connection the annex to the agreement states that Britain and France will stand by their offer of September 19. Authoritative elucidation of these and other important features can be expected after Mr. Chamberlain's- return. It is further pointed out, however, that the agreement must be ac r ceptable to public opinion. IN PARIS AND GENEVA. The headlines of the Paris Press express relief and joy that war has been averted. Mr. Chamberlain is warmly praised as the saviour of peace. The "Petit Parisien" says that Signor Mussolini behaved as a faithful friend to Germany,- but also as a friend to peace. Late editions of the French Press, after examination of the full text of the Munich Agreement, point out that many difficulties lie ahead. "L'Oeuvre" says it will be hard for Czechoslovakia to accept, as much depends on the transter of the fortifications, concerning which the Sirovy Government faces terrific difficulties.

Geneva welcomes the agreement, but is disturbed by the way it was nego^ tiated and also -^jth the t^rms reached. League delegates told a representative of the British United Press that the terms imposed are as harsh as those dictated to a defeated enemy. The smaller Powers are uneasy about the way the Czechs' fate was decided without consultation. The Russians point out that they predicted at the beginning of the crisis that "Britain and France would satisfy Herr Hitler it the expense of Czechoslovakia.

Rome is joyfully celebrating t the.removal of the war threat. Signor Gayda says that the agreement gives a just and secure peace ,and emphasises that it is a crushing denial of the necessity for the League of Nations.

The Berlin correspondent of the British United Press points out that the agreement increases Germany's population from 65,000,000 when Herr Hitler came to power to 79,000,000, which is an increase of 3,500,000 Sudetenlanders and 7,000,000 Austrians. The remainder is due to the rising birthrate.