CZECH DISPUTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23123, 23 August 1938, Page 9

CZECH DISPUTE

SEEKING COMPEOMISE TASK FOR LORD RUNCIMAN "MUST TAKE INITIATIVE" HINT OF WIDE CONCESSIONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (.Received August 22, 7.30 p.m.) PRAGUE, August 22 The Czech Government's organ Prager Presse in an obviously inspired article suggests that the British mediator, Viscount Itunciman, must now take the initiative in seeking a compromise between the Government's proposals and the Sudeten German demands. This, it points out, would correspond with Lord Runciman's mission as outlined by Mr. Chamberlain before his departure from England. The article also declares that the solution, from the Czech side, ntust be radical and seriously meant. The article is regarded as of special importance, in the first place, because it states definitely that the Czech and Sudeten standpoints are so far apart that a new basis for further negotiations must be found; and secondly, because it shows that the Czech Government is preparing to educate the people to understand that far-reaching concessions must be made.

In his speech in the House of Commons on July 26, Mr. Chamberlain said that in response to a request from Czechoslovakia, the British Government had agreed to the proposal that a person with the necessary experience and qualities should investigate the dispute on the spot and endeavour, if need be, to suggest means for bringing the negotiations to a successful conclusion. Mr. Chamberlain made it clear that Lord Runciman would go in no sense as an arbitrator, but &s an investigator and mediator, who would try to acquaint himself with all the facts and views of the two sides. His position would ho not unlike that of a man who went to help to settle a strike. He would bo independent of all Governments, and would act only in his personal capacity.

LITTLE ENTENTE OPENING OF CONFERENCE HUNGARIAN MINORITIES BELGRADE, August 21 The Sudeten German problem was on the agenda of the Little Entente's conference, which opened to-day. The signatories, Buinania, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia, consider that a settlement will greatly affect the demands of Hungarian minorities in their countries.