Sudetens Allege Outrages

Northern Advocate, 8 September 1938, Page 7

Sudetens Allege Outrages

(Eeceived 2 p.m.) LONDON, September 7. The Sudetens allege that deputies and party members were “brutally beaten with riding whips by the police,” at Mahrisch-Ostrau, a northern Moravian industrial town, predominantly Czech, but including 20,000 Germans, says a Prague message. The Sudetens add that the deputies were roughly treated by the police and population. On the contrary, the Prague correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says officials believe that Henlein supporters are deliberately provoking incidents to provide an excuse for evading discussion on the proposals. They may perhaps provoke an even more serious international development. The official version states that demonstrations began outside a prison in which arms smugglers and alleged spies were held. Demonstrators included 300 Henlein party members. Mounted and foot police intervened, but without drawing their truncheons. Thereafter, a Henlein deputation protested to -the police directorate, alleging brutality to their supporters. No action was taken against the Czechs, it is alleged.

Violence Denied

Investigation of one deputy’s charge that he was brutally beaten revealed that he was caught in the reins of a police, horse, and when he endeavoured to turn its head he was struck across the hand with a riding whip. There'was no other violence. Dr. Hodza announced that investigation of the Mahrisch-Ostrau incident would be made, and he promised that the guilty would be punished and measures taken to prevent a recurrence.

Reuter’s Prague correspondent says that after a conference with Dr. Hodza, the Henlein party agreed to reconsider the decision to break off negotiations. The Berlin correspondent of Reuter’s says that German political circles declare that the new development has created a dangerous situation, showing that the Czech Government is too weak to cope with trouble-makers. A Graver Turn

The “Daily Telegraph” says that clearly the situation has taken a graver turn. Cabinet Ministers suspended their plans to leave London, and are awaiting a conference on Thursday between Viscount Halifax and Mr. Chamberlain.