CALLED UP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 9

CALLED UP

RESERVE_FORCES ACTION MAINTAINING OEDEE MOBILISATION DENIED [RUSH FOE GAS MASKS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 22, 0.30 p.m.) PRAGUE. May 22 A meeting, of the Chechoslovakian Council of Ministers yesterday decided to recall to the colours a section of the army reserve. It is officially explained that this is purely in the interests of internal security and is not directed against anyone. Government officials declare that the summon nig of the reservists is particularly designed to maintain peace at the elections to-day, after a protest from the Sudeten German Party alleging that the Czech forces for public order were not maintaining peace in some sections. Rumours that Czechoslovakia is partly or wholly mobilising are untrue. it was stated. The War Office claims that the precautionary calling-up of reserves has been completed and has had a calming effect in the Sudeten areas. The remainder of the country is quiet. Those called up comprised the 1898 class, including the less-trained older men who were summoned in order to be trained • in the use of modern weapons, in addition to strengthening the forces. It is explained that the measure does not constitute mobilisation, which requires Parliamentary sanction. The number called up has not been disclosed, but it included Sudeten Germans, who were swiftly transferred to barracks distant from their own districts.

The summoning of the reserves led to a rush in Prague to buy gas masks.