CZECH DECISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25346, 30 October 1945, Page 5

CZECH DECISION

EXPULSION OF MINORITIES GERMANS AND HUNGARIANS (Kent p.m.) PRAGUE, Oct. 'J'.f In a speech to the Provisional National Assembly, the President. I)r Bcties, foreshadowed the new Constitution to be worked out by the elected Assembly. ''The new Constitution must be entirely different from the Constitution after the last war," said I)r Bones. "This time we have decided to get rid of all Germans and Hungarians, although this means great sacrifices for Czechoslovakia. All German and Hungarian property will be confiscated as part of the reparations. All the people, Czechs and Slovaks, will have equal rights. There will be large-scale land reforms." Referring to the recent nationalist, tion of key industries, Dr Benes said that this socialisation must succeed. Plans would be drafted for a better, more democratic and more modern army, based on the lessons of the war. Outlining Czechoslovakia's foreign policy, he said the nation would support with all its strength the United Nations, which formed the foundation of future peace. He expected the settlement of Czechoslovakia's small, but rightful claim for frontier rectification and reparations for war damage. Dr Bonos thanked Britain, Russia, America and France for all their help during the war, "We wish to live and work in peace with all our neighbours for a better and healthier future," he said.

When Dr Benes appeared at the first meeting of the Czech Parliament since ,1938, members and spectators rose and 'cheered wildly for two minutes, says Renter's Prague correspondent. The Prime Minister, M. Fierlinger, yesterday opened Parliament, which, faced three main duties. Firstly, to confirm Dr Benes in the Presidency; secondly, to endorse the Presidential decrees' and pass necessary legislation; thirdly to prepare for the election of a democratic Parliament by secret national suffrage. Dr Benes received another oration when he rose to speak. The assembly listened intently, and loud cheering greeted Dr Benes' reference to the Government's determination to expel the Sudeten Germans and to appeal to the Allies to help settle the minorities question and prevent any future attempt at a new Munich.