NAZI COUPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23302, 22 March 1939, Page 13

NAZI COUPS

TRUST DESTROYED EXCUSES OFFERED LACK OF CONVICTION BEITISH INDICTMENT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, March 20 An tinusually large attendance of Peers heard a statement on the European situation by the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, in the House of Lords to-day. He began by reviewing the explanations or excuses offered by German apologists for the actions of Herr Hitler's Government —explanations, which, he said, carried scant conviction. It was impossible to believe that the sudden decision of certain Slovak leaders to break away from Prague, followed by a request for German protection, was reached independently of outside influence. As to the alleged maltreatment of the German minority, it was only very shortly before Herr Hitler's ultimatum to Dr. Hacha, the Czecho-Slovakian President, that the German press renewed its campaign of last summer on behalf of minorities, which had been deliberately encouraged to remain in Czecho-Slovakia after Munich as centres of German activity and propaganda. Incidents Deliberately Provoked

It was difficult to avoid the conclusion, said the Foreign Secretary, that most of the incidents held out as justifying German intervention were deliberately provoked. Coming to the visit of Dr. Hacha to Berlin, and the suggestion that he had freely consented to the subjugation of his people, Lord Halifax observed: — "In view of the circumstances in which he went to Berlin, and of the occupation of Czech territory which had already taken place, I think most sensible people must conclude that there was little pretence of negotiation. "It is more probable that the Czech representatives were presented with an ultimatum, under a threat of violence, and that they capitulated in order to save their people from the horrors of a swift and destructive aerial bombardment." Trade Understanding Impossible

The Foreign Secretary then referred to the British protest, the cancellation of the British visit to Berlin by the President of the Board of Trade, and the recall of the British Ambassador from Berlin. The Government felt that the development of an understanding on trade matters was now out of the question, and that many other things would have to remain indefinitely postponed. After defending the Munich settlement and the policy which followed it, as one not personal to the Prime Minister, but supported by himself and the whole Cabinet, and as fully justified, Lord Halifax said the long-term policy envisaged in the Hitler-Chamberlain declaration of building up a peaceful Europe on. a basis of free consultation on , all differences had been disastrously belied by events. Uncertainty of Germany's neighbours "What inference," asked the Minister, "are we to draw from this pressure, exercised under threat of force and intervention in the internal struggles of other States? Every country which is Germany's neighbour is now uncertain of to-morrow, and every country which values its national identity and sovereignty stands warned against danger from within, inspired from without."

After mentioning the denial of the Rumanian Government of the reported German ultimatum on trade matters, the Minister said that whatever the position might be it was not surprising if the Government at Bucharest, like other Governments, should view with the gravest misgivings the happenings of the last few days. "I think we have left Germany no doubt of the British attitude," said Lord Halifax. "Although I do not cherish exaggerated hopes as to what may be the effect, it is abundantly right that such protests should be registered."

SLOVAK FRONTIERS GERMANY GUARANTEES LONDON, March 20 It is stated in official quarters at Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, that Herr Hitler and Dr. Tiso signed the Vienna Treaty, whereby Germany guarantees Slovakia's frontiers for 25 years. Slovakia will be independent, with her own Army, money and diplomats. German troops will withdraw when Czech soldiers .have evacuated.