CZECHS' ARMY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23060, 10 June 1938, Page 11

CZECHS' ARMY

PREMATURE REPORT MILITARY SERVICE TERM EXTENSION FAVOURED DECISION IN ABEYANCE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Times Cable LONDON, Jane 8 Reports of the introduction of a three-year term of military service in Czechoslovakia were premature, says the Prague correspondent of the Times. The plan is still receiving favourable consideration, but its execution has been postponed for political reasons. The reports in question were to the effect that it was understood that a bill extending the term of military service from two to three years would be introduced in Parliament shortly, as the recent temporary calling up of reserves had not filled the gap in the army. The reported decision caused angry comment in the newspapers in Germany, says the Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. It was declared that the increased expenditure would throw an enormous strain on Czech finances and increase the economic distress in the Sudeten areas. The German press denounced the measure as a further menace to peace. The Sudeten German Party announces that Herr Kundt, Sudeten Deputy, has transmitted to Dr. Hodaa, Prime Minister, a memorandum of claims, says a message from Prague. In elaborating Herr Henlein's demands, Herr Kundt, in a covering letter, says that, before entering into negotiations, the Sudeten Germans wish to know definitely whether, as hitherto, their principles and proposals will form a basis for conversations on the nationalities statute.