Czechs, as German Subjects, Absolutely Dominated

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1939, Page 7

Czechs, as German Subjects, Absolutely Dominated

Czechoslovakia Has Fallen to Pieces; The Reich Again Supreme

—Hi tier P roc la ma tion

(Received 2 p.m.)

LONDON, March IC. PRECEDED BY A FANFARE, HERR VON RIBBENTROP, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER, ON BEHALF OF HERR HITLER, MADE A PROCLAMATION FROM THE CAST LE BALCONY AT PRAGUE. IT WAS BROADCAST TO GERMANY. HE SA3B:

“For thousands of years, Bohemi an and Moravian lands belonged to an area necessary for the . existence of the German people (Lebensbraum).

“By force and lack of understand ing they were wilfully torn from their historical setting, and, by inclusion in the artificial structure of Czechoslovakia, became a source of continual unrest and danger, which increased

yearly,

“This condition resulted in a new threat to European peace, inasmuch as the Czech State has not succeeded in organising, in a reasonable manner, the co-operation of the different national groups forcibly joined to the State. ,

“That State proved its internal i.lability to survive,

“Consequently, it has now fallen to pieces.”

The Czechs in future would be classed as German citizens, to whom the Nuremberg laws would apply.

Bohemia and Moravia would be included in Greater Germany as an autonomist protectorate enjoying a Customs Union with the Reich.

Berlin In Full Control,

“Germany cannot allow disturbances in this region, which, is most important for Germany’s safety, in addition to Em’opean peace and welfare.

“It is in accordance with the law of self-preservation that Germany' is determined to~re-establish decisively a basis of reasonable order in Central Europe. “Her thousand years of history have proved that she alone is called on to solve the problem.” The proclamation added that members of the protectorate Government would be confirmed by the Reich’s protector, who must be informed of all activities of local' governments, which he would advise on policy questions, and override measures not conforming to Germany’s economic political and military needs. Foreign affairs would be controlled from Berlin.

Germany would maintain' garrisons and military posts throughout the protectorate. Transport, the post office and currency would be supervised by Germany.

Herr Hitler has left Prague for an undisclosed destination.