NEW BASIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23127, 27 August 1938, Page 13

NEW BASIS

OFFER BY CZECHS TAKING INITIATIVE GREATER CONCESSIONS SMUGGLING OF ARMS SUDETEN DISTRICTS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 26, 11.50 p.m.) LONDON, August 26 The Czechs have decided to make greater concessions to the Sudeten Germans, and are submitting a basis for negotiation, says the Prague correspondent of the British United Press.

It is authoritatively stated that the proposals meet four of the Ilenlein Party's 'six demands and partially satisfy the remainder. They are aimed, also, at meeting the demands of other minorities.

It is stated there is good ground for assuming that the Czech President, Dr. Benes, will take the initiative and reopen the negotiations on a, new basis, including the establishment of three German regions responsible for their own affairs, like Northern Ireland, while sending representatives to the Parliament in Prague, which will be responsible for foreign policy, defence and finance.

Arms have been seized in a number of places while being smuggled into the Sudeten districts. Attempts have been made in a wide area to get .weapons into the hands of Sudeten Storm Troopers. However, it is stated in Prague that there is no reason to expect startling diplomatic or other developments.