PREMIER'S SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23156, 30 September 1938, Page 12

PREMIER'S SPEECH

DIPLOMATIC DRAMA GERMAN INVASION AVERTED MESSAGES TO DICTATORS IL DUCE'S TIMELY GESTURE Bi Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless UI'GBY, Sept. 20 In the course of his speech in the House of Commons yesterday, Mr. Chamberlain reviewed at length the chain of events following the Czech-Sudeten breach, and dealt with his visits to Berchtesgaden and Godesberg. He said he had no doubt his visit to Herr Hitler had prevented an invasion of Czechoslovakia. The announcement of to-days four-Power meeting and the dramatic new hopes of peace it raises came in the passages of his speech, in which a long recital of the events of recent months was brought to the point where, as a last effort to preserve peace, he sent Sir Horace Wilson to Berlin on Monday with a personal to Herr Hitler for delivery before his speech at the Sportspalast. Mr. Chamberlain said the French Ministers had entirely approved this initiative. His letter had pointed out to Herr Hitler that* the reception of the German ryiemorandum by the Czechoslovak Government, and the public opinion of the world had confirmed the expectations he had expressed at their last meeting at Godesberg. The new proposal he made was that, with a view to arriving at a settlement by negotiation, there should be an immediate discussion between the German and Czechoslovak representatives, in the presence of the British representatives. Herr Hitler, however, expressed the view that he could not depart from the procedure of the Godesberg memorandum. Hitler's Additional Assurances On Monday night, after reading Herr Hitler's speech, in which he expressed disbelief in the intentions of the Czechoslovak Government to carry out its promises. Mr. Chamberlain offered on behalf of the British Government to guarantee those promises, and next morning Sir Horace Wilson asain saw Herr Hitler, whose view, however, remained unchanged. Therefore, on Mr. Chamberlain's instructions. Sir Horace repeated to Herr Hitler, in precise terms, that France would fulfil her obligations to Czechoslovak* in tho event of an attack upon the latter, and that, should France become eneraged in hostilities with Germany the British Government would feel obliged to support her. "Now the storv I have told the House brings us up to last night,'" said Mr. Chamberlain. "About half-past twelve I received from Herr Hitler a reply to my letter, sent by Sir Horace. A careful perusal of that indicates certain limitations which were not, included- in the memorandum, and it also gives certain additional assurances. "There is. for example, a definite that troons will not be moved bevond thp red line. tv >pv are onlv to ' order. Tlr* n'pViiorlt-p will bp rarnVrl out with no oi't c >'-'' r ' <nfluence. and Herr Hitler will abide bv the result, and. he will ioin in an international sruarantee of the remainder of Czechoslovakia once the minorities ciuestions are settled. Differences and Obscurities Narrowed "These are all reassuring statements as far as they go. I have no hesitation in saying, after the personal contact I established with him, that he means what he says. "The reflection which was uppermost in mv mind when I read his letter to me was that once more differences and obscurities had Kppii narrowed stdl to the noint when it was t-b PV rnn'rl not bp ctt-led bv negotiation So stronclv did 1 fe"l it that T fplt t n o« n d onc« more a last anpeal to the Chancellor. I sent him the following personal message: "After reading your letter I feel certain you can get all essentials without war and without delay. I am ready to come to Berlin myself at once to, discuss arrangements for the transfer with you and representatives of the Czech Government, together with representatives of France and Italy. If you desire, I feel convinced we could reach an agreement in a week. However much you doubt the Prague Government's intentions, you cannot doubt the power of the British and French Governments to see the promises are carried out fairly forthwith. "As you know, I have stated publicly that we are prepared to see that they shall be carried out. I cannot believe you will take the responsibility of starting a world war which may end civilisation for the sake of a few days delay in settling this longstanding problem. Personal Appeal to Signor Mussolini "At the same time I sent the following' personal message to Signor Mussolini: — "I have to-day addressed a last appeal to Herr Hitler to abstain from force to settle the Sudeten problem, which I feel sure can be settled by a short discussion which would give essential territory and protection for Sudetens and Czechs. 1 have offered to go at once to Berlin to discuss arrangements with the German and Czech representatives, and, if the Chancellor so desires, with representatives of Italy and France. I trust Your Excellency will inform the German Chancellor you are willing to be represented and will urge him to agree to my proposal, which will keep all our peoples out of war. "In reply to my message to Signor Mussolini I was informed that instructions had been sent to the Italian Ambassador in Berlin to see Herr von Ribbentrop and say that, while Italy would fulfil completely her pledges to stand by Germany, Signor Mussolini hoped, in view of the great importance of the British Government's request, that Herr Hitler would see his way to postpone the action that the Chancellor had told Sir Horace Wilson would be taken at 2 p.m. fc-clay. "Signor Mussolini asked for at least a 24-hour postponement, to enable him to re-examine the situation and find a peaceful settlement. "Herr Hitler, in response, agreed to postpone mobilisation for 24 hours. (Loud cheers.) Whatever our past views about Signor Mussolini, I believe everyone will welcome his gesture. The House adjourned at 3.1 1 p.m. until Monday at the Prime Minister's suggestion, and members crowded around Mr. Chamberlain, shaking him by the hand and congratulating him. German Official Statement The German news agency yesterday issued an official statement: It is learned from well-informed quarters that new proposals for the solution of the crisis were submitted to-day by the British as well as the French Government. Mr. Chamberain offered to meet Herr Hitler again and have a personal talk, bimultaneously, Signor Mussolini offered to help in the search tor an immediate solution of the Czechoslovak crisis, which & sVT not^ ear dela y- Indeed . view of the German preparations, Binds an immediate solution."