HITLER'S SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22968, 21 February 1938, Page 11

HITLER'S SPEECH

PREPARATORY STEPS THEATRICAL ATMOSPHERE CZECHS TO BROADCAST By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 20. 8.5 p.m.) BERLIN, Feb. 10 A theatrical atmosphere pervades the elaborate preparations for Herr Hitler's speech to the members of the Reichstag in the Kroll Opera House to-morrow. General lighting effects designed by the scenic artist, Benno von Arent, behind Herr Hitler's head, will shine as a huge sun framed in gold and surmounted by the German eagle with a wingspread of.3oft. Herr Arent has designed a special tribune front which Herr Hitler will address tho deputies. Tho walls on both sides behind the tribune will be hung with velvet decorated with swastikas. Banks of flowers will complete the picture.

llie outside of the building is decorated with garlands and festoons. All sporting events have been postponed until 5 p.iu. The proprietors of all restaurants and cinemas have been ordered to arrange for a radio reception of tho speech.

Herr Hitler gave a banquet this evening to the 741 members of the Reichstag who are to hear his speech. One thousand guests will also attend at the Opera House. A message - from Prague states that tho Czech Broadcasting Company will broadcast Herr Hitler's speech, thus completely reversing its policy. This is the first time such action has been taken and is an indication that an important reference to Czechoslovakia is expected.

WARNING TO BERLIN PROPOSAL BY FRANCE THREE DRASTIC CLAUSES BRITISH APPROVAL SOUGHT (Received February 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19 The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that M. Corbin, French Ambassador in London, yesterday was instructed to approach the British Government with a proposal that a joint Angle-French declaration should be made* to Germany declaring that they are not prepared to accept a violation of international treaties in Central Europe. This declaration would cover the contingency of a second ultimatum from Germany to Austria, also any possible

I violation pf Czechoslovakia's political sovereignty and territorial independence. According to the diplomatic correspondent of the News Chronicle, the French proposal was considered at today's meeting of the British Cabinet. The Paris correspondent of the News Chronicle says it is understood that the French proposal is that the British and French Governments should jointly declare: — (1) That Britain and France will not again submit to being faced with an accomplished fact in a matter of international concern. (2) That Britain and France will not allow any territorial change in Europe to bo made by this method. (3) That the two Powers will not allow the internal regime of a friendly State to be altered from outside by pressure of the sort used against Austria. . ... M. Corbin had a long interview with the French Foreign Minister, M. Del bos, when he detailed the British attitude to Austria and proposed future Anglo-French action.

FRENCH ARMAMENTS * SPEEDING-UP PLANS (Received February 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 19 The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says the Committee of National Defence has agreed on steps to accelerate the manufacture of araiaments and to allocate funds for the purpose. ______________