Czech Situation Continues To Be Regarded Seriously

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1938, Page 7

Czech Situation Continues To Be Regarded Seriously

LONDON, August 29. JT IS RELIABLY STATED IN PRAGUE THAT VISCOUNT RUNCIMAN

YESTERDAY TRIED TO INDUCE HERR HENLEIN TO WATER DOWN THE EIGHT POINTS OF HIS CARLSBAD SPEECH, IN VIEW OF THE GROWING GRAVITY OF THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION.

Lord Runciman returned to Prague last night, but beyond the fact that his interview with Herr Henlein lasted for two hours, nothing is allowed to be known of its purport, although it is everywhere surmised that he appealed to the Sudeten Germans to reciprocate the Czechs’ conciliatory gesture, Herr Henlein's Parliamentary deputy, Herr Franck, in a speech said: “Matters have been brought before us on which it is necessary to make an immediate decision, but we cannot give up any of the rights God has conferred upon us.” Well-informed circles in Berlin consider the situation is particularly grave, because the inspired German press has worked up the public to expect that something positive will be done. Sir John Simon’s speech on Saturday has shaken the belief that Britain will be a passive spectator.

It is authoritatively learned at Prague that Dr Benes, Cecil President, and Herr Kundt. Sudeten deputy in Czechslovakian Parliament, will discuss the Government’s new proposals. It is also reported that Herr Henlein, Sudeten leader, and Viscount Runciman, British mediator, agreed to meet again in a few days.