HITLER INTERVIEWED

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 September 1938, Page 7

HITLER INTERVIEWED

NO CONCESSION TO CZECHS

“TROUBLE MUST BE ENDED” NO WAR WANTED WITH BRITAIN / (B'S CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.J

LONDON, September 19. The Berchtesgaden correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says Herr Hitler in an interview said that the Czech Constitution seemed, to provide only one thing, namely, the suppression 8,000,000 minority subjects by 7,000,000 Czechs. Herr Hitler added: This trouble must be ended once and for all, and ended now. It is a tumour poisoning the whole European organism, and its continuance would infect international relations until they fatally collapsed. “’The existence of Czechoslovakia as Russia’s ally in the very heart of Germany forced me to create a new air force, which led France and Britain into increasing their air fleets. If we failed to settle the crisia now, FieldMarshal Goering would soon ask me to order that our air force be redoubled. Then France and Britain would re--double, and the mad race would continue. “Nobody in Germany dreams or attacking France, for whom we harbour no resentment, but on the contrary a strong feeling of sympathy. 'No German wants war with Britain.' Herr Hitler argued that the French Ministers’ promise to stand by Czecho- « Slovakia was a contradiction of their own past actions. France had allowed the Saar to vote itself from her control, and. Britain in the same way had let the Southern Irish have complete autonomy. “Holland,” he said, ‘ gave the Belgians independence a century ago. The Czechs were never independent until the peace treaties raised them to undeserved mastery over minorities more numerous than themselves. The creation of the post-war Czech Republic was a lunacy. The Sudetens will never accept Czech 1 U Herr Hitler resented the warrant for Herr Henlein’s arrest. He declared: “If Herr Henlein is arrested, I myself shall become leader of the Sudetens. I would be glad to sec how long after that Dr. Benes would issue decrees. 1 hope he would not issue a warrant for my arrest. If the Czechs had possessed a great statesman, he would long ago have allowed the Sudetens to join the Reich, thus assuring autonomy for the Czechs themselves, but Dr. Benes is a politician, not a statesman.’ CHAMBERLAIN MEETING (Recd. Sept. 20, 8 a.m.). BERLIN, September 19.

The Propaganda Ministry commandeered the whole Godsbergerhof Hotel, to accommodate a hundred foreign joux-nalists, on the occasion, of Mr. Chamberlain’s visit. The whole Hotel Dreesen, 170 rooms, has been placed at Hitler’s disposal by the proprietor, Fritz Dreesen, one of the oldest friends of Hitler, who recuperated there in 1926, when a number of guests resented the presence of the “firebrand Hitler.” and left as a protest. . , ~ , Since his permanent suite at the notel, including a large balcony room, is overlooking the most beautiful pait of the Rhine, Hitler will probably receive Mr. Chamberlain thei ein. It appears unlikely that the meeting can be arranged before September 21 at the earliest. The German Press almost completely ignores the Anglo-French talks, and devotes most space to Mussolini s speech, and comment thereon, and to Henlein’s manifesto.

BRITISH CABINET. (Recd. Sept. 20, 11.30 a.m.). LONDON, September 19. The Australian Associated Press says that the Cabinet, after a wo hours’ discussion, approved the Bit ish and French policy. No further meeting was arranged.

LONDON PRESS RETICENT

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIBELEBB.]

RUGBY, September 19. Official quarters strongly deprecate speculation regarding “the policy to be adopted with a view to promoting a peaceful solution of the Czechoslovak problem,’’ upon which last nights official communique stated that Britain and France were in complete is generally assumed in London that no authorative information will be available, at least, until after Mr. Chamberlain has seen Hitler again. Leading articles generally withhold detailed comment and emphasise the need for calm restraint. The “Telegraph” says: A factor which is enormously strengthening the hand of statesmanship, is the patient composure with which the public in Britain and France is bearing the strain of suspense. Disappointment on the other hand is expressed that the Berchtesgaden meeting has not been followed by the suspension of provocative utterance by the German press and radio, while tremendous issues are being submitted to sober counsel. Mr Attlee and Mr. Greenwood visited Downing Street, at Mr. Chamberlain’s invitation, in order that he might inform them of the position. Sir A. Sinclair was also later received by Mr. Chamberlain. Other callers were Mr. Kennedy. Count Grand! and M. Corbin. ANGLO-FRENCH PLAN. MIXED RECEPTION. (Recd. Sepember 20, 8 a.m.) PARIS, September 19. Official: Cabinet unanimously approved M. Daladier’s attitude at London, and the policy agreed upon there. Urgency in the attempt to find a solution was indicated. Though M. Daladier only reached Le Bourget at 9.40 a.m., Cabinet began a session at 10.30. Before leaving London, the French delegation emphasised that no confirmation can be given to rumours of decisions reached. The joint com'

muniquo must be regarded as complete and accurate. . . The concensus of opinion in French newspapers is that the Anglo-French plan cannot be accepted at Prague. There are also reports of British Cabinet differences. Several coriespondents hint at a Ministerial reshuffle. “Populaire” alleges that certain Cabinet members, notably Sir S. Hoare, are prepared to accept the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia without even giving a British guarantee that the new frontiers would be respected. Mr Duff-Cooper, Mr Hore Belisha, Mr MacDonald and Mr Elliott are strongly opposed to concessions to Naziism. Lord Halifax is inclined to support them. He disagrees with Mr Chamberlain on many points.

MORE ABOUT PROPOSALS.

LONDON, September 19.

According to the diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Herald,” the British and French plan proposes the transference to Germany of all districts which voted more than 75 per cent, for the Henlein Party at the recent municipal elections. Districts which voted less than 75 per cent, but more than 50 per cent., will be given autonomy inside Czechoslovakia. Hungarian and Polish districts will be similarly treated 1 . The new Czech frontiers will be guaranteed by the Great Powers and the neighbouring States, thereby releasing Czechoslovakia from her French and Soviet alliances. CZECH PROTEST. (Recd. September 20, 10.30 a.m.) PARIS, September 19. After a conversation with M. Bonnet, who disclosed 'the details of the British-French plan, the Czech Minister, M. Osusky, who was visibly moved, said to the Press: “Do you want to see a man condemned without a hearing. Here I stand.” “Intransigeant” states that M. Daladier and M. Bonnet are going to Prague on September 21. LABOUR CONFERENCE (Recd. Sept. 20. 10.30 a.m.). LONDON, September 19. The National Council of Labour is inviting the French Socialist Party, the French Trades Unions, the Labour and Socialist International, and the International Federation of Trades Unions, to consult with the Council at the earliest opportunity, it is understood that a meeting will be held possibly in London, to-morrow.

OBLIGATIONS EVADED?

(Received September 20, 2 p.m.)

PARIS, September 19

The Social Party Trades Union accepted the British Labour invitation.

The Press with one exception supports the Anglo-French plan, and urges the Czechs to acquiesce.

“Le Soir” attacks the agreement, and says that if reports from London are true, France will for the first time have denounced her contractual obligations and will for the first time have consented to resign the French position. BRITAIN’S INTIMATION. (Recd. September 20, 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 19. “The Times’s” Paris correspondent says: One of the principal-points M. Daladier made to Cabinet was that Britain, while not disputing France’s right -to honour her obligations to Czechoslovakia, refused to commit herself to military support unless Franco’s integrity was threatened. Therefore, M. Daladier declared it was his duty, at least, to support the presentation of proposals to Prague.

“GROSS BETRAYAL.” , (Received September 20, 2 p.m.) LONDON, September 19. The Associated Press says: Czech circles in London declare they did not believe that England and France were capable of “such gross betrayal', thus justifying Hitler’s contempt for democracies.” It is undoubted that the public of England and France, with the imminence of war apparently removed, are disposed to withhold judgment, until the Anglo-French proposals are fullv known. PRAGUE'S CONSIDERATION. “NOT THE LAST WORD.” (Recd. Sept. 20, 8 a.m.). PRAGUE, September 19. Czech semi-official Press Bureau appealed to the populace to receive the I news of the Anglo-French discussions, ‘‘with calm assurance. All the constitutional agencies, the President and the Government are in permanent session. and in constant contact with friendly nations. The Anglo-French discussions will be examined from the viewpoint of Czechoslovakia’s vital interests. These can be safeguarded only if supported by the people’s strictest discipline and dignified calm. They can have confidence in the responsible leaders, who are in complete unity, and have full consciousness of the real welfare of the State. They are working to secure the future in the sense of the President’s and the Government’s recent proclamations.” —LATER. Cabinet deferred a decision till it. sees the actual British-French plan. Strict censorship is imposed on foreign telephone calls, and foreign newspapers are confiscated. The official broadcast, stated that ' the British-French conversations con- • stitute a further step in the dramatic developments, but are not yet the last word. Henlein’s whereabouts arc still a ’ closely guarded secret, but it is be.lleved he is in the vicinity of Selb.

FIGHT BEFORE SURRENDER

(Recd. Sept. 20, Noon). PRAGUE, September 19

The newspapers publish surmises regarding the British and , French plan. The public’s reaction is> that. Czechoslavakia. has been abandoned. Some declare,, “We must go down fighting,” but more moderate counsels emphasise the probability of an international guarantee, and stress the importance of saving the rest of the country, siijce the Sudeten situation is hopeless.

The Ministers’ Council has drawn up a draft reply to England and France.

The Prague correspondent of the British United Press says that the Government representative declared: “We have not changed our policy. We "Cannot cede territory, or accept a plebiscite, which would mean the same thing. We will fight first.” Official circles expressed the opinion that the Czechs should fight, while in possession of the strategic frontier mountain ranges. WAVE OF INDIGNATION.

(Recd. September 20, 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, September 19

The “Telegraph’s” Hague correspondent says: The first reactions to the reported details of the settlement plan were sheer incredulity followed by a wave of indignation. Officials did not believe that France would consent to terms involving dismemberment, and surrender to the most radical demands by Hitler. The public demands rejection regardless of the cost.

GOVT’S CONSIDERATION. ’

(Recd. September 20, 2.30 p.m.) PRAGUE, September 20

The Government, after an anxious, momentous sitting, adjourned until September 20, to enable Dr. Krofta to report to the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament.

Meantime, the Government has issued a manifesto, asking the public to accept from the world Press calmly, in the knowledge that the President and Government are constantly in communication with friendly States, adding that the Government will consider the results of the English and French conversations, from the viewpoint of the necessities and the actual life interest of the Czechoslovakia State.

PLAN ACCEPTED CZECH CABINET’S DECISION (Rec. Sept. 20. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 20. Reuter’s Prague correspondent says it is authoritatively stated that the Government is accepting the British and French plan, and is asking for a more concrete explanation to enable the framing of the reply.

The decision was reached after a five hours' meeting of the Cabinet Council, under Dr. Benes, ending at 12.45 a.m. on September 20. Cabinet will meet again at 11 a.m.

ARMED STRENGTH COMPARED.

FAIRLY EVENLY MATCHED.

LONDON, September 19.

The Berlin correspondent of the “News-Chronicle” says the German Minister at Prague (Dr. Ernst Eisenlohr) returned a report to Herr Hitler on Czechoslovakian feeling and military preparations. The information is that the Czech army at present is 400,000, and that it can be raised in ten days to 800,000. Germany at present has about 1,500,000 troops, but must secure her western and other frontiers. Accordingly, military experts, express the opinion that there would not be many more than 600,000 in a campaign against the Czechs.

The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says Herr Hitler conferred with the Foreign Minister (Herr von Ribbentrop) several times during the week-end, and received several high army, officers. The Berlin representatives' of the “Daily Telegraph” says all male Sudeten refugees, aged from 18 to 50 are being drafted into the volunteer corps after completing registration, and are being detailed for service in the army on the Czech frontier. The German Legation has begun removing luggage and documents from Prague to Germany. The Prague correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” states that the German Charge d’Affaires announced that for every Henleinist executed after trial for his part in the murders of police at Schwaderbach last week, a Czech hostage in Germany would be immediately shot. The correspondent also says it is re; ported from Asch that two Czech border guards were wounded. German military outposts, consisting of 10 men, have approached within fighting distance of the Czech frontier. The movements of two divisions of German troops were visible from the Czech frontier.

GERMAN ACTIVITIES SUDETEN CORPS. BERLIN, September 19. A Sudeten official stated that the Sudeten “Free Corps” will continue its attacks on the Czechoslovakian frontier. It has been decided to limit the corps to four divisions of 10,000 men each. Herr Henlein is in supreme command.

A large Sudeten rally is being held at Dresden, to-night.

NO POPULAR FEELING

(Received September 30, 11.30 a.m.) BERLIN, September 19.

Notwithstanding the unremitting campaign of hote against the. Czechs by the German press, there is no sign of any wave of hysteria among the Germans generally. There is not even a guard at the Czech Legation, or the Travel Bureau.

Germany is continuing to move men and material to the frontier. . Many are going east towards Austria. Official circles appear completely in the dark, over the outcome of the London conference. The Foreign Office spokesman stated that everything depends upon the impending HitlerChamberlain meeting. Foreigners continue to leave Germany in numbers . Some iiave been residents for years. One Embassy has listed all its nationals, to leave on the diplomatic train, in the event of a crisis. MASS TROOP MOVEMENTS. (Received September 20, 2 p.m.) BERLIN, September 19. The Press expressed the opinion that the only menace now lies in Prague’s obstinacy. Sudeten refugees, now a hundred thousand, are distributed in fifty-three camps in Saxony. An announcement

from the headquarters of the Sudeten Free Corps says: “Preparations are complete. Action can begin,” and adds: “This announcement caused joy to the Sudetens, lately able to flee from the terror of the Hussite mob. There were touching scenes of reunion of those lost in the last few days’ heavy fighting. They have now found a common front, and are burning for the moment when they may free racial comrades from the regime of the Czech Bolshevists.” The British United Press Berlin correspondent says that warlike preparations towards the Czech border continue. The roads to Breslau are jammed with military transport. Train loads of guns and bodies of troops are reported to be moving towards the border. CZECHS IN VIENNA. VIENNA, September 19. Czechs have been summoned to the police stations and ordered to complete questionnaires as to whether they are of Czech or German origin. A refugee camp is being prepared for Sudetens who are pouring across the frontier. ROUMANIAN PRECAUTIONS. . (Reed. September 20, Noon.) BUCHAREST, September 19. Roumania has increased the labour force working on the strategic ra.ilroad', linking up Czechoslovakia with the Soviet. the Soviet. Troops have also been moved to where disorders might be expected. ITALY AND YUGO-SLAVIA. (Recd. September 20, 10 a.m.) TRIESTE, September 19. Mussolini paid a courtesy visit to the Yugoslavian frontier, and exchanged friendly greetings with a Yugoslav regiment. HUNGARIAN MINORITY.

LONDON, September 19.

The Budapest correspondent of “The Times” says the Government has promised to support the demands of the Hungarian minority in Czechoslovakia for a plebiscite. The tension in Danubian Europe is increasing.

Anxiety is being kept at fever heat hy German wireless propaganda. Reuter’s Budapest correspondent says it is learned from a diplomatic source that Admiral Horthy will visit Hitler at Berchtesgaden to-day. Admiral Horthy is asking support from Hitler and Mr. Chamberlain, to Hungary’s territorial claims against Czechoslovakia. SWISS WELCOME. (Received September 30, 11.30 a.m.) GENEVA, September 19.

Swiss welcome the report of a neutralised guaranteed Czechoslovakia, which forms the keynote of the Bri-tish-French plan. They consider the establishment of three neutralised States, Switzerland, Belgium and Czechoslovakia, would stabilise the European position and prevent an outbreak of war.

It is felt in League circles that British statesmanship and French sacrifice have saved Europe from a conflict.

JEWISH ANXIETY.

GENEVA, September 19.

The World Jewish Congress executive has telegraphed to Mr Chamberlain and M. Daladier emphasising the growing anxiety of millions of Jew in view of Germany’s attempt to acquire new territories inhabited by Jews and hand them over to oppression. It urges a settlement which will fully safeguard Jewish rights, besides the fundamentals of justice and humanity.

POLAND’S DECISION.

RESIGNATION FROM LEAGUE.

LONDON, September 19.

The Warsaw correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says it is officially announced that Poland, has resigned her seat on the League of Nations Council.

The Warsaw correspondent of “The Times” says the Czech Government has prohibited the citizens going to Poland without permission. The Warsaw correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says 109,000 Polish troops, and many tanks and aeroplanes, are engaged in three-day manoeuvres at Volhynia. Manoeuvres have not previously been held on such a scale on the Russian-Polish frontier.

ANTI-CZECH PROPAGANDA.

(Received September 20, 11.30 a.m.) WARSAW, September 19.

The Polish Press proclaims, in large headlines: “We demand the return of Polish soil in Czechoslovakia.” Demonstrations are taking place, with the slogan, “The Poles, organised Polish Silesia.”

U.S.A. POLICY.

ISOLATION SUPPORTED.

WASHINGTON, September 18.

Reports are recurring that certain New Deal supporters are urging Mr. Roosevelt to make some drastic gesture in the interests of world peace, preferably by summoning a peace conference. However, many informed observers state that it is unlikely that the President will risk direct involvement in Europe. Six peace organisations to-day urged him to maintain isolation, expressing fears that he was acting in concert with France and Britain, and asked him to issue a clear-cut pronouncement upon his attitude. The Cabinet to-night is watching the fast-breaking developments in Europe, but is maintaining strict silence. The Secretary of State (Mr. Cordell Hull) is keeping in constant touch with United States observers abroad. He and certain departmental chiefs have, been granted, instant access to the White House.

It is reported that in order to ensure strict, neutrality the Navy Maritime Commission has formulated a plan by which all United States ships will be placed under Government control upon the outbreak of hostilities. The moderate press, which is carrying a vast quantity of European news, giving an intelligent picture of the situation, emphasises the extent to which the world is involved. The extreme newspapers, provoked by the growing number of speeches sympathetic to the democracies, are screaming louder for America to keep out of the war.

The “New York Inquirer” to-day gives a fantastic interpretation of history since the Great War. After picturing Mr. Chamberlain as “keeping

hundreds of millions of Britishers in subject subjugation by bayonets, bombs, and bullets,” it coins the slogan, “Perish Czechoslovakia, perish Europe. God save America.” The New York “Post” refrained from editorial attack, but published a series of bitterly anti-British articles, alleging that the Empire was founded on slavery, oppression, and intrigue. It forecast revolution and the disin : tegration of the Empire in the event of war. „ In a further attack against Fascism, the Governor of New York (Mr. H. H. Lehmann), addressing a large crowd at Prospect Park, declared that lethargy and complacence were the greatest threat to democracy. “Militant democracy,” he said, “is the only certain defence against dictatorship. It we falter for an instant in our devotion to the principles on which the United States was built, democracy is doomed. We must stand affirmatively and militantly for the principles of democracy.”

U.S.A. PRESS CENSURE.

NEW YORK, September 19.

The latest edition of the “New York Times” states: “The terms on which the British and French Governments are reported to have agreed, constitute so complete a surrender, that Liberal opinion everywhere will prefer to regard them as incredible, until confirmed or explained in official statements.” It adds: “It seems there were and are other alternatives than capitulation to the threat of force, so complete as to establish the rule of force henceforward, as the dominant factor in international relations.”

MR BORAH’S CANDOUR. (Recd. September 20, 2 p.m.) WASHINGTON, September 19. In a warning against propaganda to secure American intervention, Senator Borah, in a blunt statement, characterised the Franco-British capitulation as extraordinary, but emphasised “It isn’t our affair!” The statement came shortly after several capital developments indicated a possible extension and strengthening of the neutrality provisions, and adherence to the “Hands Off European Affairs” tradition. Mr Borah said of M. Blum’s request that Mr Roosevelt should intercede: “It would have been more in harmony with French honour had M. Blum given attention to the fact that France has a solemn treaty with Czechoslovakia to aid her. Instead of advising the United States on her duty, M. Blum should have advised his own people courageously to stand by the treaty. His suggestion really means that the United States should furnish money and men in the case of war.” Mr Roosevelt and Mr Hull ignored M. Blum’s suggestion. State officials hastened to explain that such requests were not considered as official. Thus far, no foreign Government has asked the United States for advice or collaboration.

CANADIAN PRESS APPEAL.

TORONTO, September 19

Appealing-, to Mr. Roosevelt to provide fresh leadership to stave off war, the “Toronto Globe and Mail,” in a leading article, says that the President could forestall a conflict without committing the United States. “We ask Mr. Roosevelt,” the article states, “to follow Mr. Chamberlain’s magnificent procedure and ignore the ordinary diplomatic customs and appeal personally to Herr Hitler for a conference of European Powers to which Mr. Roosevelt would go in person by the first available boat, free from political association with the issues involved, and free even from the fear of bombers over his people. The President could provide the restraining influence of a dispassionate mind, and the inspiration that his only interest is in saving human lives.” MISCELLANEOUS FOOD DISTRIBUTION (Recd. Sept. 20. Noon). LONDON. September .19. Henry French, in co-operation with 1,500 local food officers, has created an organisation’ which can be brought into operation in 24 hours, under which war-time food distribution can be carried out through the ordinary channels of rationing on a national, not a local basis. ARMS FROM SPAIN WASHINGTON, September 18. The Associated Press is circulating a report that Germany has withdrawn from Spain a quantity of equipment, including her new rapid elect) icallycontrolled artillery and Messrs. Schmidt and Heinkel aircraft. The movement is reported to be accompanied by a speeding up of shipments of ore from Bilbao to Germany. INDIAN PRINCES SIMLA, September 19. Additional Princes who have offered to place their forces at the disposal of the King Emperor, in the event of war, are. the Maharajahs of Gwalior, lodhpur, Danta, Dungarpur, Maharoa, and Kota; the Maharawat of Partabgarh; and the Nawabs of Sachin, Palanpur, and Tonk. ANNAM'S ASSURANCE. PARIS. September 19. The Emperor of Annam has assured the Governor-General of Indo-China of the allegiance to France of both himself and his subjects. EXCHANGE CALM. (Recd. September 20, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, September 19.

The stock markets opened quietly, operators preferring to await events. Coppers, oils and rubbers are firmer, Home industries idle, and gilt-edged fractionally easier. German bonds ar e mostly unchanged, but Czech are lower. INSURANCE RATES. LONDON, September 21.

The schedule of minimum war insurance rates, issued .by Lloyd’s, shows the general increases from the United Kingdom to Australia and New Zealand, via Suez, of 30/- per cent, outward, and 60/- per cent, homeward; via the Cape, 20/- outward and’ 40/- homeward; via Panama, 15/- outward and 40/- homeward.