British Move To Lessen Czech Tension

Northern Advocate, 9 May 1938, Page 5

British Move To Lessen Czech Tension

(Received 2.30 p.m.) . , LONDON, May 7.

I The Czechoslovakian Foreign Minis- ' ter, Dr. Krofta. announced tc-day that ' a new nationality statute, which the i Government was preparing, would | apply equally to all minorities, i “We are making every ■ concession demanded, except fcr any which would in the smallest degree endanger :j the security of the State or its, present ! frontiers,” said Dr. Krofta. “We, therefore, reject those demands of Herr Henlein which affect our sovereignty or independence, which we are deter- , mined to defend.” ; !...' 1 British, French Offer. I The British and French Ministers separately visited Dr. Krofta and delivered similar stating that Britain and France were ready to ■' assist to solve the Sudeten question. It was emphasised that Britain and France expected a solution could found that would be compatible .with Czech integrity. - They hoped the most generous pds- >. sible concessions would be granted. Dr. E. Woermann, head of the political department of the German Foreign r ‘ : \ Office in Berlin,* received the 'British Ambassador, Sir Neville Henderson, who informed the German 1 . Government that Britain hoped everything would be done to lessen the tension over Czechoslovakia. .? -

Quiet Settlement Wanied, The Berlin correspondent of “The Times” says that the representations by France and Britain to Czechoslovakia are not unwelcome, provided they emphasise that the Sudeten must be granted self-deter- • mination. Some quarters discussed- the Francp-British moves.at Prague" after the General Staff discussions. : • • Germans desire a. quick settlement, but without a European war. Then only will Germany be free to improve relations with the western Powers, particularly Britain. The Berlin correspondents of the “Daily Telegraph”" says Sir Neville, Henderson’s visit is regaided as a friendly act. Undoubtedly any at* tempt to persuade Germany to restrain the Sudeten party would be deeply reserved. ' ; ' Will Not Use Armed Force? v*’ It is believed Dr. Woermann. told Sir Neville that Germany had no in-; tention of using armed force in Czechoslovakia. Newspaper messages; from Rome leave little doubt that Signor Mussolini consented to allow Germany a free hand in Czechoslovakia.