FRESH CLAIMS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 13

FRESH CLAIMS

CZECHS' TERRITORY HUNGARIAN NOTE EVACUATION DESIRED PLEBISCITES PLANNED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Oct. 24 The Hungarian Note to Czechoslovakia proposes that territories in which a Hungarian majority is claimed should be evacuated by the Czechs by November 1 and territories in which plebiscites are to be held should be evacuated by civil administrators by November 15, passing over to international control. The detailed proposals of the Note are:— (1) Occupation of territory regarding which there is already a Czecho-Hun-garian agreement. (2) Differences existing in eight areas to be settled by plebiscite before -November 30, but seperate discussions to decide the future of Bratislava. (3) Internationally controlled plebiscites to decide the future of all minorities throughout Czechoslovakia after which Hungary will guarantee Czech frontiers. (4) Italy and Germany to arbitrate for application of self-determination in the western region, and Poland, Italy and Germany to arbitrate in the eastern region. The Budapest correspondent of the Exchange News Agency points out that Hungary demands 14,700 square kilometres with a population of 1,100,000, Czechoslovakia offers 95,000 square kilometres with a population of 715,000. The dispute is not primarily a question of extent of territory but whether Czechoslovakia will yield the very valuable Slovakian industries and railways. A message from Prague says the nev/ Czech constitution, it is reported, will abolish the electoral system based on party lists and will adopt the British system.

Over 40,000 refugees from territory occupied by Poland and Germany have registered with the police. It is believed many hare not registered fearing deportation. The first signs of anti-Semitism was seen in the resolution passed by the Sokal (physical fitness) organisation demanding the expulsion of Jews entering Czechoslovakia after 1914.

WARNED TO LEAVE POSITION OF DR. BENES LIKELIHOOD OF SURRENDER LONDON, Oct. 24 The Manchester Guardian has learned from a reliable source that the departure of the former President of Czechoslovakia, Dr. Benes, was necessary because the conditions, under which Germany was prepared to grant friendly protection to Czechoslovakia, included his surrender to Germany or his trial in Czechoslovakia. Dr. Benes left as the result of an urgent warning. The Czech relief fund opened by the Lord Mayor of London has reached £202,000.