OFFER TO SUDETENS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21126, 27 August 1938, Page 17

OFFER TO SUDETENS

CZECH GESTURE OF PEACE Mediation of Lord Runciman Britain’s Firm Attitude Sinister Revelations Unlteo HjeM AMOClatlon —Bv Electric releimph —Cnpvrigbt LONDON, August 25. The Prague correspondent of the British United Press reports that the Czechs have decided on greater concessions to Sudetens. which will be submitted as a basks of negotiation. Tlie proposals, it is authoritatively stated, will meet four of Herr Henlein's six demands and partially aimed also at meeting the demands of other minorities. ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN CONFERENCE OF MINISTERS Prltlab cjrtlclai wireless RUGBY. August 25. Mr Ashton Watkin, Lord Runclman’s secretary, to-day gave the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) and the Chancellor oi the Exchequer <Sir John Simon) an account of Lord Runclman's work in Prague. By its very nature, Lord Runciman's mission of conciliation was bound to take longer to show res ilts than if he had been called in to act as an arbitrator or had been engaged merely, in preparing a report for submission in any particular quarter. Nevertheless. press reports from Prague have shown that the mission, even In the present stage, has not been without appreciable effect. It is understood that the impresston which the two Ministers gained from Mr Watkln is that an agreed and peaceful solution is not beyond the reach of wise statesmanship if that quality Is forthcoming from both sides and all the parties concerned. Britain has made very clear that in Its view, such a settlement is essential, not only in the interests of Czecho-Slovakia and the Sudetens. but to safeguard European peace. During recent weeks, the dangers inherent In the present situation have become an Increasing cause of preoccupation in London, where, it Is hoped, the critical juncture at which it stands will be seen by both sides to impose responsibility for making a necessary contribution to an agreement. Lord Halifax has returned to Yorkshire. and Mr Wat kin will return to Prague at the end of the week. The Prime Minister 'Mr Neville Chamberlain) took the opportunity of the presence in London of the Foreign Secretary (Lord HalL’rx) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon) for a discussion on current affairs. It Is assumed that the international outlook generally was reviewed. but In view of the present tension In Central Europe It Is generallv believed that the Ministers' attention was chiefly directed to the Czech problem and the feelings of insecurity and uncertainty which Its developments have aroused.

Hopes are still entertained that the conciliatory efforts of Lord Runclman to achieve e settlement of the differences between Czecho-Slovakia and the Sudetens may prove successful, but It Is recognised here that such a result Is dependent on the goodwill of both sides.