NEW NATIONALITY STATUTE

Evening Star, Issue 22952, 9 May 1938, Page 11

NEW NATIONALITY STATUTE

CZECHOSLOVAKIAN MINORITIES CONCESSIONS TO BE MADE DEMANDS AFFECTING SOVEREIGNTY REJECTED Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright PRAGUE, May 7. The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Dr Krofta) announced a new nationality statute which the Government is preparing to apply equally to all minorities. ' ' i “ We are making every concession demanded except for any w r hich would in the smallest degree endanger the security of the State or its present frontiers,” Dr Krofta ’ said. ‘‘We, therefore, reject those demands of Herr Henlein. which affect our sovereignty and independence,"which we are determined to defend.” The British and French Ministers separately visited Dr Krofta and delivered similar messages, stating that Britain and Frapce are ready to assist in solving the Sudeten question. The messages emphasise that it is expected that a solution can be found compatible with Czech integrity. It is hoped that the most .generous possible concessions will be granted. A message from Berlin states that Herr Woermau received the British Ambassador (Sir Neville Henderson), w-ho informed the German Government that Britain hoped that everything would, be done to lessen the Czech tension. NO PROMISES BY ITALY LONDON, May 8. (Received May 9, at 10 a.m.) Mr Ward Price cabled the ‘ Sunday Dispatch’ from Rome: “ I .understand that Signor Mussolini neither engaged himself to defend Czechoslovakia nor pronjised a completely free baud to Germany.” , ANGLO-FRENCH REPRESENTATIONS NOT UNWELCOME IN BERLIN. LONDON, May 8. (Received May 9, at 12.15 p.m.) The Berlin: correspondent’ of ‘The Times, says the English and French representations to Czechoslovakia are not unwelcome provided they emphasise that Sudeten Germans must be granted self-determination. In some quarters there is distrust concerning the Anglo-French moves in Prague after the English and French general staff discussions. The Germans desire a quick settlement, hut without a European War, then only will Germany be . free to improve her relations with the Western Powers, particularly England. •

The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Berljn correspondent says Mr Henderson’s visit is regarded as a friendly act. Undoubtedly any attempt to persuade Germany to restrain the Sudetens would be deeply resented. It is believed that Herr Woermann told Mr Henderson that Germany, has no intention of using armed force in Czechoslovakia.

Newspaper messages from Rome leave little doubt that Signor Mussolini consented to allow Germany a free hand in' Czechoslovakia.