BLUNT DEMAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23146, 19 September 1938, Page 11

BLUNT DEMAND

GERMAN REPORTS HITLER'S THREAT 'CESSION OF TERRITORY VIRTUAL ULTIMATUM OCTOBER 1 TIME LIMIT N / _________ (Received September IS, 5.30 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 17 According to German reports, Herr Hitler, in. his talk with Mr. Chaifiberlain at Berchtesgaden, demanded the cession of Sudetenland by October 1, otherwise he would march, says the Australian Associated Press. These familiar tactics have been temporarily held up by Mr. Chamberlain's insistence that Britain and France will not tolerate a settlement by force, but his

suggestion to consider cantonal or regional autonomy is now complicated by the Czech's determination to oppose any weakening of the sovereignity of Czechoslovakia or interference with its foreign policy. It is known that Mr. Chamberlain is anxious to conclude his ambitious programme of settlement of all European problems, including that of Spain, but the desperate and irresponsible nature of some of Herr Hitler's advisers presents an almost insuperable barrier. Hitler's Unequivocal Terms It can be stated confidently, says the diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, that Herr Hitler advanced his demand in terms so unequivocal

that it was virtually an ultimatum. Ho v demanded the right of absolute cession of important areas in Sudetenland and left no doubt that if he was not satisfied by a date not far ahead he would be forced to adjust the position himself. It is not denied that Mr. Chamberlain replied with an equally stiff warning that if an attempt was made to resolve the position by force France and Britain would resist forcefully. It is conceded in London that no proposals show now a chance of acceptance in Prague unless accompanied by & joint guarantee of integrity. The Czechoslovakian Cabinet will be aware that France, which showed signs of internal weakness during Mr. Chamberlain's visit to Herr Hitler, now has United ranks and presents a solid front determination to resist the use of force by Germany. Refusal to Compromise Well-informed circles at Berchtesfeaden said yesterday, according to the British United Press representative, that the lines of Mr. Chamberlain's rePort to the Cabinet would be Herr Hitler s uncompromising insistence upon the Sudeten's right of self-determina-tion. Ho reiterated his refusal to tolerate continued "Czech oppression." Mr. Chamberlain would insist that ■ ' p 6IT it to Britain and * ance to, find a means of compelling 6 Czechs to agree on a solution pcto Germany, and he also left ® doubt that ho might he compelled resort to drastic measures, p spite of apprehension, says the ®Os correspondent of the British Press, France is apparently preCh s "Pl )ort «ny compromise Mr. amber! ain may suggest. Press and Jticians now envisage the ceding of p inland to Germany as the price ' avoiding war. ■Jq, e chief of the French Air Force ' M I c j l ." oc i on the Prime Minister, | juadier, purely as a precautionary