BRITISH EFFORTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23131, 1 September 1938, Page 13

BRITISH EFFORTS

PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT STILL CLINGING TO HOPE NO PROVOCATIVE ACTION INFLUENCE OF MEDIATOR By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, Auffust 30 The policy which was endorsed at to-day's meeting of the British Cabinet Ministers may be summed up, as far as the immediate problem of Central Europe is concerned, aa a concentration by Britain of all its efforts on assisting a peaceful solution of the Sudeten German problem. Wliilo the opportunity remains—as British Ministers hope and believe it does —of reaching a settlement by negotiation and conciliation, Britain, who for her part will do nothing which might heighten the general tension, continues to look to both sides in Czechoslovakia to avoid any aggravation of the dispute. Viscount Runciman's Work

Viscount Runciman, to the value of whose work the reports of newspaper correspondents in Prague pay tribute, is known to bo using bis influence, not without effect, on both Czechoslovakia and the Sudeten Germans, with the view to promoting an agreement, but it is recognised in London that the success of his efforts depends on tho one hand on the extent and reality of the concessions which the Prague Government and the coalition parties aro ready to make, and on the other hand on the extent and nature of the influence exerted from outside on tho Sudeten party and the spirit in which Herr Henlein's followers receive the Government's advances. There is no disposition to minimise the gravity or difficulty of the decisions which have' to be taken by the leaders in Czechoslovakia, but both in the press and in official circles here, full weight is also given to somo encouraging factors. Discipline among Germans

Among these are the increasing realisation of the responsibilities which the present dangerous situation imposes, and the appearance of a growing willingness tp accept them and make necessary concessions. Another encouraging factor is the discipline displayed among Sedeten Germans, and in this connection there is evident relief that this so far has not been diminished as a result of tho recent party manifesto on exercising self-defence.

Equally important are tho good conduct of the police and the readiness with which the authorities have undertaken an examination of incidents, and also the frankness with which tliey have admitted facts when they themselves, or the Czech crowds, appeared to have been at fault.

It is confidently expected that the Czechoslovak Government will continue to do all in its power to prevent incidents and to preserve order.

MEETING CANCELLED CZECH PRESIDENT HITLER SUMMONS HENLEIN WEEK-END CONFERENCE LONDON, August 30 The President of Czechoslovakia, Dr. Benes, will not meet Herr Henlein, the Sudeten leader, to-day, as had been arranged, says a message from Prague. Herr Hitler has summoned Herr Henlein to Berlin ior a week-end conference next Saturday, says the Berlin correspondent of the News Chronicle. Herr Kundt, Sudeten deputy in the Czech Parliament, held a conference witli Dr. Benes and undertook to reply by Wednesday to the Government's offer of a now basis of negotiations. MANY LEAVE GERMANY (Received August 31, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, August 30 Receipts from the taxation upon people leaving Germany soared to £2,000,000 in July, compared with £500,000 last year, indicating the anxiety of persons of substance to leave the country.