SIGNIFICANT GERMAN TALK OF “INTERVENTION”

Southland Times, Issue 23610, 10 September 1938, Page 7

SIGNIFICANT GERMAN TALK OF “INTERVENTION”

MASSING OF 3,000,000 RUSSIANS ON FRONTIER ANNOUNCED (United Press Association—Telegraph Copyright) (Received September 9, 11.50 p.m.) • LONDON, September 9. There is no diminution of the European crisis, though major developments, either better or worse, are not likely Until early next week, by which time Herr Hitler, it is expected, will have given a clue to his policy, after being acquainted with the British attitude. Significant among late overnight despatches on the Czech situation, and bearing on German readiness to magnify every incident in the Sudeten German areas, is a report from the Berlin correspondent of The Times stating that it is frankly admitted in Berlin that a grave incident would precipitate a final crisis. Germany, it is claimed, could not disregard “a cry for help” from the Sudeten Germans. It is argued, even, that if the Reich went to their assistance it would be only intervention, not invasion, “as Germany has no intention of attacking the Czechs but merely of protecting what she regards as her own.” Why then, it is asked, should France intervene?

The Czech military authorities have been informed by the Soviet Minister (M. Alexandrovski) that 3,000,000 Russian troops are massed on Russia’s Western frontiers, ready for instant action, says the Prague correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. M. Alexandrovski informed the Czech Foreign Minister (Dr Kamil Krofta) that Russia would not guarantee help if further concessions were made to the Sudeten Germans.