Mr. Chamberlain Claims Triumph

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1938, Page 7

Mr. Chamberlain Claims Triumph

("Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 3

Mr Chamberlain, following Mr

Duff-Cooper, analysed the difference between the Munich agreement and the Godesburg ultimatum, says a British Official Wireless message. He claimed that the agreement was a triumph, in that it showed that representatives of the four Great Powers had found it possible to agree on a way of carrying out a difficult and delicate operation by discussion. He also announced a credit of £10,000,000 to Czechoslovakia to assist it immediately in meeting economic and financial difficulties due to the settlement. Mr Chamberlain received a great ovation both on entering the chamber and on rising to speak. His speech was preceded by a personal statement

by Mr Duff-Cooper on his resignation. .■ These, ,and other modifications, Mr Chamberlain argufid, destroyed the objectionable character of the Godes- . burg proposals, and represented con-

cessions of importance to those of them who disliked the ultimatum, and were anxious to see orderly and reas- ■ capable procedure prevail. .-/n , ( Not a National Matter. He warned the House, however, that . it would be well to avoid describing the Munich settlement as a personal or national triumph for any individual country. He spoke of the country’s profound sympathy' for the Czechoslovak people, and announced a credit, ' of. which details were also given in " the House of Lords by the Foreign Secretary. Speaking of other representatives .at .Munich, the Prime Minister remarked that hard things had been said about the German Chancellor in the past, but he thought the House ought to recognise that in consenting, even though only at the last minute, to discuss with other Powers things which he declared he had already decided upon once and for all, Herr Hitler . had made a real and substantial con- • tribution. Helpers Applauded. ■ Signor Mussolini’s contribution was certainly notable, and perhaps decisive. Mr Chamberlain mentioned that the Italian representative early in the 'proceedings at Munich had produced * a mem oran dum which both he and o M, Daladier had been able to accept as the basis for discussion. M. Daladier’s Courage and readiness to take responsibility, and his unfailing good humour, had been invaluable throughout the discussions. Mr Chamberlain also referred in appropriate words to the messages of Mr Roosevelt, and said that in his view the strongest force of all was the 1 unmistakable sense of unanimity among the peoples of the world that somehow war must be averted. Mr Chamberlain said the Dominions Governments had been kept in the closest touch with events. Dominions’ Good Wishes. , «x would like to say how greatly I was encouraged on each of the journeys to Germany, with the knowledge that I took the Dominion Gov- ,, ernments’ good wishes.

“I believe the declaration between Herr Hitler and myself is something more than a pious expression. I made no new commitments. There is no secret understanding. Our conversation was hostile to no other nation.” Mr Chamberlain read the declaration, adding that its significance as a document far surpassed actual words.

He said that for a long period now Britain had engaged in a great rearmament programme, which was daily increasing in pace and volume. The Vital Task. In conclusion, Mr Chamberlain declared: “It is to the tasks of winning back confidence and the gradual removal of hostility between nations till they feel they can safely discard their weapons, one by one. It is to such tasks that I would devote what energy and time may be left to me, before I hand over my office to a younger man.”