The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. 1938 GERMANY’S CENTURY-OLD DECEPTION.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21153, 28 September 1938, Page 8

The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. 1938 GERMANY’S CENTURY-OLD DECEPTION.

Major Attlee’s statement that he does not believe Herr Hitler is going to the help of the Sudeten Germans, because the Fulirer does not mention the Germans repressed py the Italians in the Tyrol, just about sums up the general attitude to Germany’s disrespect* for the frontiers of Europe. The spokesman of the German people has given an undertaking that once the problem of the Sudeten Germans has been solved, and these minorities are restored to the control of the Reich, Germany’s territorial aspirations will be satisfied. The pages of European history record many similar undertakings. For fifteen centuries, Germany has been giving definite undertakings. The French people, on their part, know something of the value that can be placed on Germany’s guarantees of good faith. Since Germany gave the first undertaking never again to invade France, the French people have suffered no fewer than thirty invasions. After each invasion, the Germans have pledged themselves never again to offend. Responsible German statesmen gave an undertaking to respect the independence of Austria and recognise the sovereignty of Czechoslovakia; indeed, Berlin agreed that the Germans in the Sudetenland should be given Czech citizenship, which Germany would recognise. Pledge after pledge has been givn only to be violated under the threat of armer force. Herr Hitler now says: "My effort for peace is not a mere phrase, but is confirmed by facts which no democratic liar may deny. There were two problems left. Ten million Germans living outside the Reich wanted to return. There is a point where conciliation must end because it would be weakness. I would not have the moral right to be the leader of the German people if I renounced this. There was a limit to complacency and the history of the union with Austria confirmed that I was right. There is the last prqplem which must and will be settled. It is the last territorial demand I will make in Europe, but It is one I shall never give up.” No democratic people on earth believe llrr Hitler; indeed, the reply of the democracies is given in the expressed determination of Great Britain and Russia to assist Franbe if she should be called upon to honour her treaty obligations to the Czech Republic.