RELIEF IN CZECH CIRCLES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21155, 30 September 1938, Page 10

RELIEF IN CZECH CIRCLES

Shadow of War Lifting Germany’s Aggression . Feared Protests By Democratic Germans United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 29, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. A message from Prague says that the public received the news of the Four Power Conference with as much relief as can be expected from a nation living constantly under a threat of immediate attack. Dr Jan Masaryk (Czech Minister in London) says that he telephoned to Mr Chamberlain, who replied that he was considering the possibility of a Czech spokesman being present in case his services were desired. Mr Chamberlain had communicated with Dr Benes in the matter. The Prague correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says that official circles are very reserved towards the conference which is regarded as an unpleasant echo of Germany’s long continued efforts to create a Four Power Pact. It is felt to be ominous that Mr Chamberlain’s speech seemed to imply that the only parts of the Godesberg Memorandum which were not unacceptable were its ultimative character and failure to allow reasonable time for the readjustment of the Czech and Sudeten populations. Wish to Remain Czechs The German Democrat youth organisations, representing half a million persons, have issued a proclamation demanding to remain Czech citizens. More than fifty thousand refugees from Sudetenland have passed through Prague in the last few days going to the interior. REPORT ON CZECH RULE TACTLESSNESS CAUSED GRAVE UNREST United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 29, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. Lord Runciman in a letter to Mr Chamberlain said: “I have the impression that the Czech rule during the last twelve years, although not actively oppressive and certainly not terroristic, has been marked by tactlessness, lack of understanding, petty intolerance and discrimination to the point at which the German population was moving towards revolt. The Sudetens feel that little or no action has been taken to implement the Czechs many promises.” Lord Runclman recommended the withdrawal of unpopular Czechs from the State police, which would reduce the cause of wrangles, also where the Sudetens were an important majority, | they should immediately be given full right of self-determination. REACTION IN EUROPE RELIEF AND MISGIVINGS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrlgh t (Received September 29, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. Paris reports say that the news of the Munich meeting was hailed by the entire nation with heartfelt relief as offering a last minute chance of escape from the horrors of war. M. Daladier, in a broadcast, explained that he had intended to make a full statement, but the Munich invitation had altered the situation. He thanked the people for their brave and dignified attitude. He would go to the conference in the thought that the whole nation was behind him. The Brussels correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says that the conference is considered to be a big step towards a solution. The idea of a conference between representatives of Democracies and totalitarian States is hailed as a “miracle.” Russia’s Protest A message from Geneva says that international opinion is strongly divided. Some feel that the conference is virtually a surrender to dictators. The Russians are strongly against the conference, seeing in it another proof of the desire of France and Britain to exclude Russia from the Councils of Europe. IMPROVING OUTLOOK STOCK EXCHANGE IMPROVES IN TONE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph -Copyright (Received September 29, 10.30 p.m.) LONDON, September 29. Mr Chamberlain’s announcement came too late to affect many securities, but a substantial reaction occurred among those in which the market usually deals after closing hours. War loans stood at £93 at 4 p.m., and later was dealt in at £97. Dollar securities advanced as much as five points. The scramble for dollars was intensified, opening about 4.72, they bid down to 4.60. Mr Chamberlain’s announcement caused an equally emphatic selling movement, the dollar closing at 4.71. Registered German marks closed at a discount of 55 to 60 per cent, wheras at one time they were offered at 68. SUFFERED TORMENT—COULDN’T MOVE "People cannot believe their eyes seeing me so active after suffering so long from rheumatism—from now on I’ll never be without R.U.R.,” writes Mrs M. L. Zessln. 93 Juliette Street. Brisbane. Sold with genuine moneyback guarantee. Procurable from E J. Thompson, Timaru: A N. Hancock, Temuka; B. A. Bryan, Waimate; Morris Williams, Geraldine, and other chemists.