RESTLESS EUROPE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23511, 27 May 1938, Page 9

RESTLESS EUROPE

SUDETEN CRISIS ANXIETY UNDIMINISHED NO BASIS FOR NEGOTIATION CZECH DETERMINATION (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, May 26. The Australian Associated Press says that it is understood that the danger in Czechoslovakia is not over and that considerable improvement is nefeded before a diminution of anxiety is possible. It appears that while England and France succeeded in easing the tension, neither they nor the Czech Prime Minister (Dr Hodza) and the Sudeten German leader (Herr Henlein) have thus far achieved a basis for negotiation. It transpires that the Czechs called up only one class of reservists to keep order. At present they have no desire tq demobilise. Moreover, they are not enthusiastic over having neutral observers in their territory. The Czechs also oppose full concessions to Herr Henlein, claiming that it would be tantamount to the country being governed by a minority. * Germany’s Mood In the meantime Germany again appears in a restless mood, as evinced by the bitter press attacks on Britain. M. Czemo, who represents the Czech Prime Minister (Dr M. Hodza) in the group of parliamentarians visiting Poland, said:— Calm and confidence now reign in Czechoslovakia, but we are determined to be prepared for any emergency, and will not tolerate aggression against our frontier or sovereignty. We are confident that the new minorities’ statute will satisfy the Polish minority, and we hope for a new era of friendship between the two nations. Everything possible is being done to bring Czechoslovakia and Poland close together so as to constitute a barrier against German expansion eastward. Conference With Dominions -All the dominion High Commissioners conferred with the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) and the Secretary for the Dominions (Lord Stanley) for two hours. Lord Halifax gave a general survey of the international situation, but the Czechoslovakian crisis dominated the discussions, to which the dominion representatives frequently contributed. Lord Halifax outlined the latest confidential despatches received from the British Minister in Prague, and also explained the situation as seen by the Cabinet, which met this morning. It is gathered that Lord Halifax made it clear that Britain’s policy remains identical with Mr Chamberlain’s pronouncement in the House of Commons when he declared that Britain might not be able to remain indifferent to a Central European upheaval. GERMAN PROTEST CZECH AIR ACTIVITY. TROOP WITHDRAWALS REQUESTED BERLIN, May 25.

Herr von Ribbentrop has ordered the German Minister at Prague (Dr Eisenlohr) to protest sharply against the alleged crossing of the frontier by Czech aeroplanes, the occupants of which were allegedly engaged in observing German territory. It is reliably reported that Dr Eisenlohr is delivering a demarche to the Czech Government urging the withdrawal of troops from Sudeten areas on the grounds that peace is impossible while they are there. CZECH AIRCRAFT FRONTIER PROHIBITION ALLEGATIONS NOT ADMITTED LONDON, May 26. (Received May 26, at 7.30 p.m.) # The Czechoslovakian Ministry of Defence has ordered aircraft to keep three miles from the frontiers and is introducing a system of signals to warn planes off the prohibited areas, says the Prague correspondent of The Times. The Ministry does not admit the correctness of German allegations of five violations of the frontier in 24 hours, which are apparently offset by similar German trespasses. NAZI DEMONSTRATION FUNERALS OF VICTIMS OF SHOOTING SPEECHES BY LEADERS PRAGUE, May 25. No soldiers or police were visible st Eger for the funeral of Boehm and Hofmann. By arrangement with the Ministry of the Interior. Sudeten Germans wearing white shirts kept order. The coffins were draped with a red flag inscribed with the initials of the Sudeten Party. Germany military attaches laid wreaths, on which were inscribed “Adolf Hitler ” surmounted by an eagle and a swastika. There were no incidents during the procession through the streets of Eger. The shops were closed, and Nazi salutes were general. Thousands of Sudeten Germans thronged Eger Market Square before the funeral, and twice loudly shouted. “Heil Hitler!” during the speeches. Herr Henlein referred to the victims’ fight for German soil. Turning to the coffins, he said: “May your sacrifice be a guiding sign.” Herr Frank said; “We fight for the victory of the Nazi ideals. If one falls, a thousand will take his place. Germany must live though we die.”