THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. Motto : Public Service. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1938. CZECHOSLOVAK PROBLEM

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 48, Issue 2818, 5 October 1938, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette. With which is incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY. Motto : Public Service. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1938. CZECHOSLOVAK PROBLEM

WITH the Czechoslovakian Government’s acceptance of the agreement reached at Munich by Britain, France, Germany and Italy the Czechs are left with an exceedingly difficult problem in accommodating themselves to the new conditions. Czechoslovakia has lost frontier fortifications which cost £50,000,000 and which still have to be paid for. It will be compelled at once to abandon rich mineral mines, factories and revenue-producing lands. And one of the most serious problems will be the inevitable transference of the Czech population from the ceded Sudeten German areas to the restricted Czech country. Absorption of the refugees will raise difficulties in housing, feed and employment, which it is hoped may be eased to some extent by transfers of Sudeten Germans from the new Czechoslovakia. Patience and statesmanship will be required on both sides if serious disturbances are to be avoided.

Is it too much to expect that Germany will lend a helping hand to the vanquished? When the German troops march into this new part of Greater Germany they will drive a pitiably desperate people before them and occupy forts and farmlands and homes that have been the work of two decades. Something more than tactful ejection is due to those who, disappointed in their hope of a permanent place in a united and free Czechoslovakia, are forced to seek new homes and begin the business of life anew. Czechoslovakia’s finances must be severely strained to meet this position alone, but apparently more is to follow. If the Teschen area is to be ceded to Poland and concessions made to the Hungarians, important mines and further rich farm lands will be lost. With revenues restricted and vital raw materials lost to her industries, Czechoslovakia may find herself in a desperate plight unless the other Powers come to her aid.

The “Big Four” have laid down terms which the Czechs had no option but to accept. Having imposed their will they owe a duty to the nation that made the sacrifice to satisfy the rapacious appetite of a neighbour. Clearly, in the eyes of the world, Germany especially ' should assist Czechoslovakia to live down the greatest tragedy in her brief national history. The map of that part of Europe cannot be changed so radically overnight without grave hardships and disturbances unless, neighbourly co-operation is forthcoming. So indecently hasty were the final negotiations that time, bis not permitted the formulation of plans for the transfer. The bully of Europe will march on the heels of a bewildered people. Prompt action is called for even before the shock of the change has passed and before the people most intimately affected have been able to collect their scattered wits.