Tension Gravest Since 1914

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 64, 17 March 1938, Page 7

Tension Gravest Since 1914

France Seriously Alarmed FEARS OF OUTBREAK IN POLAND WHY HITLER RACED BACK TO GERMANY United Press Association—By Electric Telecraph.—Copyright Received Thursday, 2 a.m. PRAGUE, March 16. Outwardly Czechoslovakia is remarkably calm but beneath the surface there is genuine consternation. The chief concern is how far, if it all, England will go in giving guarantees to backup Czechoslovakia’s integrity. Mr. Chamberlain’s speech generally made a good impression but it is recognised that much was left unsaid. Austrians are allowed to enter Czechoslovakia only by special permission which is difficult to obtain. A Berlin message says a serious view is taken of the PolishLithuanian dispute. It is even suggested as one of the chief reasons for Hitler’s decision immediately to return from Austria. In Warsaw the atmosphere is electric, public feeling strongly favouring vigorous action to end the unsastifactory relations. It is understood the Lithuanaian Government drew the attention of the great Powers to Poland’s attitude, while Estonia and Latvia are trying to mediate to avoid an outburst.

A Paris messags says: “Not since 1914 has the atmosphere been tenser than to-day.' The nation woke with the gravest fears following the developments in Spain to which attention has been diverted from Austria. France is alarmed at the prospect of Italian and German troops on the Pyrenees frontier, and Italian warships and planes at the Balearics and on the coast of Spain and Spanish Morocco.