DRAMATIC MOVE FOR UNO PROBE

Northern Advocate, 11 March 1948, Page 5

DRAMATIC MOVE FOR UNO PROBE

NEW YORK, Wed. (11.30 a.m.). —In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Czechoslovakia’s chief United Nations delegate, M. Jan Papanek, today formally demanded that the Security Council should investigate the Communist coup in Czechoslovakia. M. Papanek, defying the Communist Government of his own country, charged in a complaint filed with the secretary-general (M. Trygve Lie) that the Communist seizure of power was “prepared and executed with the help, encouragement and advice” of Russia. He declared that Russia had used a threat of force and fitth column tactics to overthrow the legal Government and instal an “instrument solely designed for the use of Russia.” M. Papanek added that he was bringing the matter to the Security Council’s attention as the situation was “likely to endanger peace and security.”

‘The tragedy of the Communist coup reveals the insincerity of Stalin who personally promised Dr Benes that Czechoslovakia would always be free," stated Papanek in his complaint to M Lie.

"The treaty of friendship between Russia and Czechoslovakia signed in 1943 stipulated that both parties would respect each others sovereignty. “Violation of the treaty shakes the very foundations of peace and security, not only of Czechoslovakia, but of Europe and the world. "The ma'ter is now up to the United Nations.

"I hope the United Nations will take a stand immediately and'prevent further occupation of other countries, and eventually a third World War.”

Papanck’s move followed shortly after 'he announcement of M. Masaryk’s suicide. »

Ilis voice choked with sobs. Papanek told a Press conference that he refused to surrender his post as Czech delegate and maintained that lie represented the”republic that existed before the coup. The legal aspects of the case are puzzling United Nations members because the question of exiled governments and diplomats defying their home regime has never arisen before. BEEP GRIEF EXPRESSED

M. Trygve Lie. speaking at a Press conference at Lake Success, expressed deep grief at M. Masaryk’s death. In a cable of sympathy to President Benes he said: “The whole democratic world was indebted to M. Masaryk’s fine courage and deep intelligence."

The Norwegian liberal newspaper Dagbladet, said M. Masaryk felt it his duty to show the world where he stood. The Swedish Labour Party’s paper Aftonlidnfngen. stated that M. Masaryk’s death had confronted the Gottwald Government with its most difficult problem. The Austrian Socialist Arbeiter Zeitung declared that M. Masaryk’s suicide would contribute to the enlightenment of the world.

The Danish Parliament stood in silence while the Foreign Minister IMr Rasmussen) paid a tribute.