Troubles of Czechoslovakia

Northern Advocate, 27 July 1938, Page 6

Troubles of Czechoslovakia

HERR HENLEHSTS assurance that the Sudeten Germans do not want war suggests that a peaceful solution of the Czechoslovakian difficulties may yet be found. It is certain that if hostilities did occur, the area occupied by Herr Henlein and his followers, around the mountainous border of Czechoslovakia, would be a battleground. It is certain, too, that any armed intervention by Germany in Czechoslovakia would certainly precipitate war with France. But if restraint is exercised by the Sudeten Germans themselves, the likelihood of war is substantially diminished. Impartial observers agree that the position of the Sudeten (or “Southern”) Germans gives them a legitimate grievance. The Czechs, who are the dominant race in Czechoslovakia, not merely in numbers, but in character and spirit, have elbowed the Sudeten Germans out of all official positions, and have oppressed them in various other ways. There are good grounds for the conclusion that the delicate situation apparent during recent months was due less to a rising spirit of Nazi-ism among the Sudetens (though this fact no doubt influenced the position) than to the attitude adopted by the Czechs towards this minority race wihin their borders. The German minority is not the only section with which Czechoslovakia is having trouble. The Slovaks and Ruthenians, in the eastern part of the country, also have their militant nationalist movements, and a few weeks ago the Slovaks held a huge gathering in the city of Bratislava, under their priestly leader, Dr. Hlinka, for the purpose of formulating demands to the Government. With the country torn by such conflicting elements, a policy of moderation and conciliation is obviously the wise course for Czechoslovakia to follow.