FRONTIER CROSSED

Grey River Argus, 27 May 1938, Page 9

FRONTIER CROSSED

BY AEROPLANES Czech and German [Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] BERLIN, May 25. An alleged Czech aeroplane, equipped with a machine-gun, crossed the German frontier at Grosschoenau. Another allegedly flew over Kilrngenthal. Herr von Ribbentroy ordered the German Minister at Prague, sharply to protest against the alleged crossing of the frontier by Czech aeroplanes the occupants of which were allegedly engaged in observing German territory.

(Received May 26, 7.30 p.m? LONDON, May 26

The Czechoslovakian Ministry of defence has ordered Czech aircraft to keep three miles from frontiers and is also introducing a ystern <>f signals so as to warn its planes c. f f rhe prohibited areas, says the Prague correspondent of “The Times”. . The Czech Ministry does not admit the correctness of the German allegations that there have been five Czech violations of the frontier in twenty-four hours, which are apparently, offset, by a similar German trespass.

GERMAN REQUEST TO CZECH’S.

LONDON, May 25.

It is reliably reported that Doctor Prague, is delivering a demarche to the Czech Government, urging the withdrawal of troops from the Sudeten areas, on the grounds that peace is impossible while they are there.

SUDETENS’ FUNERAL.

HITLER’S WREATH

PRAGUE, May 25.

No soldiers or police were visible at Eger, for the funeral of Boehm and Hofmann.

By arrangement with the Ministry of the Interior, Sudeten Germans, wearing white shirts, kept Ihe coffins draped id a red flag inscribed with the initials of the Sudeten Party. German military attaches laid wreaths on which was inscribed '“[Adolf Hitlerj’f surmounted by an eagle and the swastika.

There were no incidents during the procession through the streets of Eger. The shops were closed and the Nazi salutes were general.

A FALSE ALARM ?

ALL-ROUND RESTRAINT

EXERCISED.

(British Official Wireless.] RUGBY, May 24

The meeting between the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia (Dr.] Hozda) and Heir Henlein, the leader of the Sudetens, is welcomed in London as an important, contribution to the easing of the tension. The hope is expressed in official circles that rapid progress wiil now be made ?.vith the negotiations' which the Czechoslovakian Government has initiated for an agreed settlement of the Sudeten question. The fact that the grave dangers which threatened last Saturday were averted is attributed here less to this or that diplomatic move than to the general restraint exercised by all the Governments concerned, *md not the least by Germany. It is taken as evidence that with an equal sense of responsibility and equal moderation in the future a comprehensive, peaceful and lasting settlement—which is presumably desired 91i. both sides—can be achieved.

SPEECHES AT FUNERAL,

PRAGUE May 25.

Thousands of Sudeten Germans thronged Eger Market Square before the funeral of Boehm and Hofman, and twice loudly shouted “Heil, Hitler!”

During the speeches. Henlein referred to the victims’ fight for German soil. Turning to Lb<? coffins, he said: “May your sacrifice be a guiding sign.” Dr. Frank said: We fight for the victory of the Nazi idea. If one falls, a thousand tj>ke his place. Germany must live, though we die.” POLAND’S ATTITUDE, FREEDOM OF ACTION NOT BOUND BY FRANCERUSSIAN PACT. LONDON, May- 25. The Warsaw correspondent of "The Times” says that German circles in Warsaw express contentment at the attitude of the Polish Government in the recent crisis. The acting Foreign Minister (Count Szembek) received the French Am-

bassador (Mr Noel), and the German Ambassador (Herr Holtke) yesterday, and the Czechoslovakian Minister (Dr Slavik) to-day. What is regarded as an official pronouncement of the Polish Government’s attitude; in view of its com-, mitment under the Franco-Polish al- 1 liance is published in a pro-Govern-ment newspaper. It states: “Poland . is faithful to the alliance with France and will always fulfil her engagements and go to the assistance of , France ,if she is attacked by any other power. At the same time it is considered that Poland cannot allow herself to be drawn into any conflict into which France might be drawn because of her alliances with] other countries, and especially if the i politics of those countries have, been the cause of concern to Poland.” _ I It seems cleat, therefore, that m the contingency of German intervention in Czechoslovakia, whether the French are involved or not, Poland would retain complete freedom of action. M. Czerno, who represents Premier Hodza of Czedjpslovakia in the group of Parliamentarians visiting Poland, said: Calm confidence now reigns I in Czechoslovakia, but we are deter- | mined to be prepared for any etnergI encv. We will not tolerate aggres- . sion against our frontier or sovereignty. We are confident that i the new minorities statute will satisfy the Polish minority. We hope for a,

new era of friendship between the two nations. Everything possible is being done to bring Czechoslovakia and Poland close together so as to constitute, a barrier to German expansion eastward. BRITISH DISCUSSIONS. LONDON, May 25. The Australian Associated Press says: All the High Commissioners conferred with Lord Halifax and Mr Stanley for two hours. Lord Halifax gave a general survey of the international situation, but the Czechoslovakian crisis domin-rted the discussions to which the Dominion representatives frequently contributed. Lord Halifax outlined the latest confidential dispatches received from the British Minister at Prague. Neither they, nor Hodza, and Henlein, had thus far achieved a basis for negotiation.

It transpires that the Czechs called, up only one class of reservists to keep order which, at present, there is no desire to demobilise. Moreover t the Czechs are not enthusiastic about! having neutral observers in their territory. The Czechs also oppose full ( concessions to Henlein, claiming these would be tantamount to the country being governed by a minority. Cabinet met this morning. It is gathered that Lord Halifax made it clear Britain’s policy remains identical with Mr Chamberlain’s pronouncement in the Commons on March. 24, when he declared that Britain might not be able to remain indifferent to a Central European upheaval. It is understood that the danger in Czechoslovakia is not over. Considerable improvement is needed before a diminution of anxiety Is possible. It appears that while Engand and France succeded in easing the . tension, Germany again appears in a restless mood, as is evidenced by the jbitter press- attacks on Britain.