THE GERMAN PEOPLE

Evening Star, Issue 23038, 17 August 1938, Page 11

THE GERMAN PEOPLE

ALARMED AT EXTENT OF MANOEUVRES NO DESIRE FOR WAR A FEELING OF HELPLESSNESS Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, August 16. Reuter’s Berlin correspondent states that the public is becoming alarmed at the extent of the military manoeuvres. The widespread apprehension may be fairly attributed to wholesale dread of war. It cannot be denied that Germans have no desire for military adventure. This and the knowledge that the Government can act without consulting the nation have resulted in a feeling of helplessness. Foreign correspondents are sending thousands of words, but the fact that Herr Hitler received the transatlantic flyers during the review at Juterbog was the only military news in the German morning papers. The Official Spokesman, explaining the silence, said nothing had yet happened at the manoeuvres, which were still in the initial stages. The troops are in camps or barracks.

LORD RUNGIMAN'S MISSION HEKLEIN PARTY MEMBERS RECEIVED PRAGUE, August 16. Lord Ruuciman is receiving- representatives pf the Henlein Party, who will reply to the Government’s case. Special importance is attributed to the meeting. SLOVAK LEADER'S DECLARATION WILL HOT YIELD TO FORCE PRAGUE, August 16. (Received August 17, at 12.5 p.m.) Dr Derer, Minister for Justice, and leader of the Slovaks, in a speech at Bratislava, said : “ Czechoslovakia cannot disappear like Austria. If .an attempt is made against us wo will show that we will not yield to force or allow our independence to be wrested away.” Dr Derer appealed to Slovaks to support the Patriotic Front.

Lord Runciman conferred -with representatives of the Sudeten party, who, it is understood, do not intend to slam the door, though not willing to concede much. Dr Benes received Lord Runciman and discussed the general situation.

REJECTION DF GOVERNMENT'S

PROPOSALS EXPECTED GRAVE SITUATION FEARED LONDON, August 16. (Received August 17, at 12.5 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Telgeraph’s ’ Prague correspondent says Dr Benes interviewed Lord llunciman. The meeting was unexpected, and was arranged at the President’s own request in view of the importance of to-morrow’s , meeting between Dr Hodza and the Henlein Party, who are expected to reject the Government’s proposals, creating a situation of extreme gravity.

DISPLAY OF MILITARY POWER NOT AN ACTIVE THREAT LONDON, August 10. (Received August 17, at 10 a.in.) The Daily Telegraph’s ’ Berlin correspondent says the extent of the manoeuvres has impressed diplomats, but the impression is growing that they are intended as a reminder .of military power rather than an active threat. The policy of presenting the “ Czech horror ” is daily continued under banners " Another Bestial Attempt at Murder,” “ The Czech Terror Marches On.” The ‘ Yolkischer Beobachter' describes what apparently is a schoolboys’ fight as a new and violent act of terror. ND WARLIKE DEJECT BERLIN, August 10. (Received August 17, at 10 a.m.) The German Press acclaims the arrival of General Vuillemin, the French Air Chief, as a reassuring sign. They declare that the object of the German manoeuvres is peaceful, like those of other countries, on which Germany has not adversely commented.

CONTROL OF CIVILIANS MORE DRASTIC MEASURES ENFORCED LONDOX, August 10. (Received August 17, at 1.30 p.m.) The Berlin correspondent of 1 The Times 1 says the further weakness of the Bourse reflects not merely anxiety over the State financial resources, but the urgent need for the private liquidity of banks whose short-term capital has been requisitioned. Field-Mar-shal Goering is powerless to buttress the falling market. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Munich correspondent says more drastic measures for the control of civilians have

been enforced. No more passports can be Issued to travel from Bavaria. A thousand, including those hitherto exempted on account of physical disabilities, have been ordered to register for special duties. The army conscripts discharged last year have been recalled and must report not later than September 12. Night leave from barracks will be cancelled after August 25, when officers on vacation will be ordered to .return and a state of mobile readiness can be maintained in the barracks throughout Bavaria. The registration of women and .other non-combatants will be completed by August 18. Some have already been notified and allocated to armament and aircraft factories; others will relieve men in the public services. The 1 Daily Telegraph’s ’ Berlin correspondent says the decree extends to Austria, the German military law calling up reservists for training.

BELGIUM MAHCUVRES OPENED HEAR GERMAN FRONTIER BRUSSELS, August 16. (Received August 17, at 12.0 p.m.) The Belgian army manoeuvres, employing unusual numbers of men and exceptionally strong war material, have opened near the German frontier. The general staff has taken up its headquarters at Malmedy, one of the towns ceded to Belgium after the war.

ACTIVITY IN AUSTRIA MILITARY TRAINS IN EVIDENCE LOX'DOX, August 17. (Received August 17, at 1.30 p.m.) The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Prague correspondent says great military activity is reported throughout Austria. From Innsbruck to Vienna there is constant transport of troops in military trains, consisting of tarpaulin-covered vans, many apparently coutainings .guns.