CZECHOSLOVAKIA’S FUTURE

Evening Star, Issue 23099, 27 October 1938, Page 11

CZECHOSLOVAKIA’S FUTURE

A BLEAK OUTLOOK GERMANY THE DECIDING FACTOR Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 26. The Prague correspondent of the 1 Daily Telegraph,’ summing up Czechoslovakia’s position in the light of developments since the crisis, states: “ To speak of economic reconstruction is about as reasonable as an offer of 250 visas can be of practical help in settling the question of 100,000 homeless refugees. The question is not even settled whether Czechoslovakia should rebuild her shattered industries or relapse into a purely peasant State depending for her existence on supplying grain to Germany. One thing is certain, that the course taken will be one that Germany desires. The only possibility of Britain and France retaining a fraction of their former influence is Czechoslovakia’s dire need of loans, which Germany is unable to supply, and the only hope of arresting the drift to Fascist totalitarianism and anti-semiticisra.”

THE OCCUPIED AREAS PERSECUTION OF MINORITIES INCREASING. LONDON, October 25. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Prague correspondent says persecution of Jews and Czech minorities in German occupied areas is increasing. The majority of Jewish and Czech shops have been closed. Many Czecho-German Democrats and priests have been ill-treated and the. Arcbipiscopal Notary (Dr Kopecky) was beaten up. Jewish shops have been plundered in Slovakia, while hundreds of Jews thrown intef no man’s land are dying of cold and hunger. HUNGARY'S CLAIMS CABINET REPLIES TO NOTE. PRAGUE, October 25. The Cabinet has drafted a reply to Hungary, and has agreed to 1 admit Sudetenland merchandise free of duty. The War Ministry announces that two Hungarian planes shot down a Czech observation plane over the Slovak village of Boda. The pilot was wounded when the plane crashed in flames eight miles within the CzechoHungarian frontier. ACCEPTANCE OF MAIN PROPOSALS PRAGUE, October 26. (Received October 27, at 11 a.m.) M. Chvalkovsky handed the Hungarian Minister the Czech reply accepting the Hungarian demand for occupation of districts the cession of which had been mutually agreed upon, but suggesting that a week was insufficient to remove material. The reply accordingly proposes consultation between the Czech and Hungarian military authorities. Czechoslovakia also accepts the principle of Italo-German arbitration regarding districts which Hungary claimed, but which the Czechs refused. The reply also adds that the Czechs insist that Rumania also be consulted if Poland is to be brought into arbitration in accordance with the Hungarian suggestion. M. Backinsky and M. Heavy, the Ruthenian Ministers in the Czech Cabinet. have resigned, considering that the Cabinet decisions sacrifice the interests of Carpathian Ruthenians. Dr Brodie, the Ruthenian Premier, has also resigned. MI Karmasin, the German representative in the Slovak Cabinet, has asked permission to attend the Czech-Hungarian negotiations on the grounds that the German minorities claim a voice in their own disposal. HERR VON RIBBENTROP’S MISSION VISIT TO SIGNOR MUSSOLINI. BERLIN, October 26. (Received October 27, at 8 a.m.) Herr von Ribbentrop is going to Rome to-morrow to discuss Polish, Czechoslovakian, and Hungarian issues. MUCH SPECULATION AROUSED LONDON, October 26. (Received October 27, at 8 a.m.) Herr von Ribbentrop’s visit to Rome is arousing speculation. The news of his departure surprised even those usually best informed on foreign moves, says the Berlin correspondent of ‘ The Times.’ It is generally believed that he has gone to discuss the problem of the Hungarian minority in-Czechoslovakia, especially the proposal for a common Polish-Hungarian frontier, which is supported by Italy, but not favoured by Germany. HITLER IN VIENNA REPORTED TO HAVE SEEN SCHUSCHNIGG. VIENNA, October 26, (Received October 27, at 1 p.m.) Herr Hitler visited the Hotel Metropol© and unconfirmedly saw Dr Schuschnigg. It is believed that he is remaining in Vienna until the HungarianSlovakian frontier is settled. THE CZECH RELIEF FUND (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 26, (Received October 27, at 11 a.m.) The Czech relief fund totals £228,000.