CZECH PRESIDENT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 59, 11 March 1939, Page 9

CZECH PRESIDENT

THREE MINISTERS DISMISSED

COUP D'ETAT FOILED

RING-LEADERS IMPRISONED

(By Telegraph—Pres3 Association—Copyright.)

(Received March 11, 10 a.m.)

PRAGUE, March 10,

The President of Czecho-Slovakia, Dr. Hacha, today dismissed the Slovakian Premier, Dr. Tiso, the Minister of Economics, M. Prusinski, and the Labour Minister, M. Duranski, who are confined to their homes under police supervision. A communique states that certain groups exploited the weakness' and irresolution of Dr. Tiso and other Ministers, and that the Government was no longer able to prevent disturbances in the interior of Slovakia.

The Government knew on March 7 that the Hlinka Guards had planned a coup d'e£at on March 10, and the authorities prepared their putsch quietly, sending to concentration camps many of the ringleaders.

The dismissal of the Ministers is intended to maintain order and prevent any attempt against the union of Czecho-Slovak States. .

A coup d'etat by Slovak Radicals, who intended to proclaim an independent Slovak State and to secede from Prague, was foiled when the central Government, hearing of the plans,

promptly dissolved the Hlinka Guards, who were either confined ito their barracks all night under military supervision or sent to a concentration camp in Moravia.

The commander of the guards, M. Tucha, and the Slovak propaganda chief, M. Mach, were detained as a precautionary measure. The Government reinforced the garrisons and troops occupied important points and buildings all over Slovakia.

Martial law was proclaimed in Bratislava and Slovaks were exhorted to obedience. Tanks are patrolling the streets.

Anxiety is felt in Prague lest the Slovaks seek German aid.

The new Slovak Premier appointed to succeed.Dr. Tiso is the deputy M. Swak. He is at present on his way to Rome for the coronation of the Pope, and is unaware of his- appointment.