SUDETEN DEMANDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 September 1938, Page 7

SUDETEN DEMANDS

NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUED RUNCIMAN TO MEET HITLER ? [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] LONDON, September 4. The Prague correspondent of the “Sunday Times” says that authoritative Czech opinion is that a meeting : between Lord Runciman and Herr Hitler is inevitable, in view of the growing international character of the Su!deten problem, which the Czechs feel is beyond their control —especially as it is presumed that Herr Hitler assured the Sudeten leader (Herr Henlein) that Germany would support a demand for the realisation of the Carlsbad demands. The Berlin correspondent of the “Sunday Times” says it is believed that Germany assured Britain that she would take no precipitate action ■ against the Czechs, although Herr Hitler suggested a time limit for a decision. 1 “The next move rests with Dr. Benes,” was the general summing up ( of the Czech position yesterday. The Prague correspondent of “The Times” i said that the two conferences on Friday turned out better than was expected. A Prague communique, issued yes-, terday, stated: “Dr. Benes informed | Lord Runciman that he had discussed, the whole problem with the Sudetens from 10.30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. The, negotiations will continue on Monday.” | It seems that there has been a small but clear’ advance. All that can be said is that a gap which a week ago seemed limitless, has now narrowed to a measurable extent. A Berlin message says the Czechs allowed it to be understood that they had made large concessions; but it is suggested these were sketchy, and insufficiently defined to satisfy the Sudetens’ aspirations. IMPORTANT INTERVIEWS. LONDON, September 3. The German Foreign Minister (Herr von Ribbentrop) has returned to Berlin instead of remaining at Berchtesgaden. The newspapers emphasise that Herr Henlein’s visit to Herr Hitler was purely by way of routine. Mr. Hugh Wilson. United States Ambassador in Berlin, conferred with Sir Nevile Henderson on the Czechoslovakian problem.

The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says that Sir Nevile Henderson saw Herr von Ribbentrop privately, and gave him frank, personal impressions of British policy, but received no clear statement of German policy. The Berlin correspondent of the “News-Chronicle” " understands that Herr Hitler sent a message to Lord Runciman rejecting the cantonal plan for Czechoslovakia and demanding autonomy for the Sudetens as an undivided bloc. He insisted that “the basis of settlement must enable the Sudetens to co-operate loyally with the Czech State.”

Reuter’s Prague correspondent says that Lord Runciman’s happy initiative in proposing the discussion with Herr Hitler helped to clear the air. The seemingly risky idea of a direct appeal was justified by the wording of the communique after the meeting between Herr Henlein and Herr Hitler, and disposes of the fear that a breach of the peace is contemplated. NO CAUSE FOR SCARE. (Recd. Sept. 5. 1 p.m.). LONDON. September 4. “The Times’s" Metz corresponddnt says: Cadres, holding the Maginot Line in the Metz and Strasbourg areas, have been recalled for frontier mobilisation exercises, in order to test the practicability of the arrangements. The “Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent says: Nothing has occurred during the week-end to visibly change the situation. There is no justification for scare stories regarding movements of German troops, regarding which, it is essential to remember, it is part of the German plan io allow them to be seen. Further batches of reservists are being called up in the next ten days until after the Nuremberg Conference. There will bo one and a-half million under arms. RUSSIA AND FRANCE. LONDON, September 4. The Paris correspondent of the “Sunday Times” says it is understood that M. MaXim Litvinov, reassured the French Charge d’Affaires at Moscow of Russia’s support with her full resources if France is obliged to act in the fulfilment of her obligations to the Czechs. A message from Warsaw states that Poland and Roumania are consulting about the transport of Russian aeroplanes and munitions to Czechoslova--1 Both the Reuter and the British United Press correspondents in Berlin report that the German War Ministry admits troop movements in the ( Kehl and Offenburg areas, but declares that they are manoeuvres which “have ino special significance.” No corre-j spending movements occurred on the French side of the frontier during the | week-end, and leave has not been can-; celled. It was reported yesterday that the Metz correspondent of “The Times’ . said that the French authorities flatly denied reports of unusual troop movements on the Saar and Rheinfalz frontiers, though work continues _ feverishly on the German fortifications. Present French troop movements were merely reliefs. FRENCH PRECAUTIONS. (Received September 5, Noon). LONDON, September 4. ‘‘The Times’s” Nancy correspondent says: All the French frontier garrisons’ from Luxembourg to Switzerland are confined to barracks, except oilicers and married non-commission-ed officers, who must not leave the towns. All men have been recalled from extended leave. Nancy is the headquarters of the Twentieth Army Corps. FRENCH APPEAL TO U.S.A. (Received September 5, 11.30 a.m.) BORDEAUX, September 4.

Dedicating a monument to FrenchAmerican friendship, in the form c.f a. great tower, marking where the First American Expeditionary Force.:, under General Pershing' landed in France, M. Bonnett said that France hoped the heavy threats weighing upon Central Europe will be dispelled.

France, in any event, would remain faithful to the pacts, treaties and engagements she had undertaken. ," M. Bonnett said he welcomed the recent speeches of Mr Roosevelt, and IMr Cordell Hull. He had no doubt that the people of the United States would again come to France’s defence lif she were, attacked. France did not I want war. It was her desire that the United States should help to safeguard and organise peace. The Ambassador (Mr Bullitt) in reply advocated the first move in disarmament by the abolition of air bombing, and the removal of obstacles to the restoration of world trade. He expressed the opinion that the present ’European situation was not hopeless. ' NUREMBURG CONFERENCE 1 i SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM. I I (Recd. September 5, 8 a.m.) I LONDON, September 4. | The Associated Press Nuremberg reports: Struggling masses of people are watching the marching of tens of thousands of Nazis, pouring in this loveliest of all mediaeval cities, for the ■ momentous annual congress of the Nationalist Socialist Party. It is impossible to convey an impression of the multitude or its enthusiasm, which must be witnessed to be believed. Vast stands almost hide the beautiful seventeenth century city hall in the great square, in which the Mayor will receive Hitlei- to-morrow, presenting him, according to custom, with some small gift, for which he expresses thanks. At least, 800,000 Nazis will then have invaded the city, swelling the normal population of 450,000, overflowing the available accommodation. This is the eighth year of the Congress, which is held here. Each year sees more elaborate preparations, until these reached proportions only described as colossal, yet the plans are still incomplete. Whereas in democratic countries, a great demonstration would be marked with an air of gaiety, here all are sober-faced and solemn. Uniforms predominate everywhere. Everyone gives the impression of being under military discipline. The original stadium, holding nearly 60,000, is dwarfed by gigantic new halls and parade grounds. There is a mighty road, three hundred feet wide, from the city to the party grounds. The new sports area will seat 400,000. The Luitpold arena, where the party formations assemble, holds 150,000 Nazis and 50,000 spectators. The Zeppelin field holds a quarter of a million. The new Congress hall, due to be finished in two years, will hold 450.000. Many buildings are constructed of granite. Architects and builders were told the buildings must last at least a thousand years. The grounds hold altogether two and a-quarter million people, all gathered to glorify the name of Adolf Hitler.

FOREIGN REPRESENTATIVES (Recd. Sept. 5, Noon). BERLIN, September 4. Ten Ambassadors, 22 Ministers, and 13 Charge d’Affaires accepted the invitation to go to Nuremburg. They include the English, American, Italian and French Ambassadors, and the Czechoslovak Minister. MARKET EFFECTS. LONDON, September 2. Resisting a welter of rumours and counter-rumours, investors continue to await definite facts in the outcome of the Czech crisis before rushing the markets. Business therefore has remained idle throughout the week, but the tone is steady. The .seriousness of the situation, however, is reflected by the reaction of gilt-edged. Dominion issues have shared the irregularity. Political fears caused industrials to sag and economic developments continue unfavourable, as is evidenced by the fall in sterling, severe further decline in rail traffics, and the accentuations of the recession in export trades. Commodity shares are quiet, and rubbers steady. Commodities are irregular, mainly as a result of international uncertainties. Evidence is accumulating of an abnormal restocking movement going on in Germany. The “Rubber Bulletin” shows that imports in the first six months of 1938 totalled 54,539 tons, compared with 52,319 tons for the corresponding period last year, when imports were- double the normal consumption level. 'The Imperial Economic Committee comments on the exceptional imports of greasy wool in the first six months of 1938, which were nearly 50 per cent, above the 1937 figure, through German exports of wool products declined. The implication of these abnormal movements is either that substitutes are proving disappointing, or that huge stocks are being laid up for international reasons.

LEAGUE CONSIDERATION. GENEVA, September 3. Although the Czech situation does not figure on the agenda for the League Council meeting on September 9, under the presidency of Mr. W. J. Jordan or on the agenda of the Assembly for September 12, it is expected that it will preoccupy the delegations. The presence of leading Ministers of various countries will enable an exchange of views. The council’s agenda, includes the bombing of civilians in Spain. The Assembly is expected to discuss foreign intervention in Spain, and proposals for reform of the League Covenant. especially the sanctions clause.