SIGNS OF CZECH ANTI-SEMITISM

Southland Times, Issue 23651, 28 October 1938, Page 7

SIGNS OF CZECH ANTI-SEMITISM

Germany Pleased By Change Of Policy

REFUGEES IN TERRIBLE PLIGHT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received October 27, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 27. A complete reversal of policy and political thought seems t' have occurred in Czechoslovakia, says the Berlin correspondent of The Daily Telegraph. The Nazis are particularly gratified by the increasing anti Jewish demonstrations and by the fact that General Jan Sirovy, the Prime Minister and provisional President, is taking measures against Jewish refugees, including their despatch to concentration camps. The Pragi ,n correspondent of The Daily Telegraph says it is suggested that 50 British Legionaries would be most useful in clearing up the terrible plight of the refugees. It is essential tha; refugees crossing Germany on their way to other countries should be accompanied. Also there is urgent need of people to -sour the three-kilometi e Nd Man’s Land between the Czech and German troops and to assist destitute Jews lying in the open, afraid to go r‘ ’’er way.

Five hundred emigre visas have been issued; 50,000 persons are seeking asylum, including 15,000 Jews. , Sir Robert MacLeay has arrived in Prague to act as chairman of the Lord Mayor’s Refugee Committee. The relief fund totals £228,000.

30 NAZI DIVISIONS EMPLOYED GERMAN PRECAUTION IN CRISIS PERIOD (Received October 28, 12.50 p.m.) BERLIN, October 27. Major von Wedel, head of the German War Office’s Press department, in an article appearing in a number of German provincial newspapers, for the first time reveals the number of troops employed in the occupation of Sudetenland—3o divisions (about 450,— 000 men) of which half were motorized. Considerable forces were also held in reserve in case the occupation did not proceed peacefully. Five hundred military aircraft actually participated in the occupation, but this was “only a fraction of the aircraft held ready and which could immediately have been brought into action if war had developed.” Hundreds of anti-aircraft batteries were in position around the whole frontier, so that “Soviet and Czech bombers could hardly have succeeded in penetrating Germany.” Precautions were also taken again British and French attacks.

Major von Wedel adds that the new Western fortifications are capable of protecting Germany from any land attack. Necessary measures have also been taken against air attacks.