Dr. Benes, President Of Czechoslovakia, Resigns

Wanganui Chronicle, 9 June 1948, Page 5

Dr. Benes, President Of Czechoslovakia, Resigns

Political Motives, Not 111-Health, Stated As Determining Factor

(N.Z.P. A.—Reuter—Copyright.) Received 7 p.m. LONDON, June 8 The Czech President, Dr. Benes, resigned yesterday morning in Prague, and the Czech Cabinet accepted his resignation at an extraordinary meeting in the afternoon. The resignation was contained in a letter delivered to the Czech Cabinet 24 hours before the deadline set for signing the new Soviet-model Constitution establishing a so-eallcd “people’s democratic Republic” in Czechoslovakia.

Although there is no British comment so far on Dr. Benes’ resignation, its liming—one day before the. last date for the signing of the new Communist-in-spired Constitution—is regarded in London as a strong indication that political motives, not illhealth, were the determining factor.

News of the resignation of Dr. Benes caused no surprise in Prague. It was well known that he intended to resign, and the only doubts in mos l people's minds concerned the time he would choose for doing so, says the Prague correspondent of "The Times.” He first offered to resign as long ago as May 4, and it is therefore clear there had been long discussions to find out whether his decision was final. From the outset he disapproved ot a number of aspects of the new order, and his attitude has not changed as a result of six weeks' study of the new Constitution. The Government is recommending, and the Assembly will certainly agree, that Dr. Benes should be given a pension equal to the salary of a President and the lifelong use of Lany Castle. There are reports that he would rather go abroad. This is extremely doubtful, but if true, it may be assumed that he would not take part in politics. He was not prepared to lead the political Opposition to the Gottwald Government during the February crisis, and it is certain he is no more disposed to do so now than he was then. Some 42 Czech deputies who escaped to London, issued a statement that they believed Dr. Benes resigned because he considered the Communist terror was beyond his control and as a protest against the violent solution of the February crisis, the way In which the elections were neid, and against the new Constitution. Dr. Jan Papanek, who was deposed as Czech delegate to United Nations when the Communists took over the Government of Czechoslovakia, commenting at Lake Success on Dr. Benes’ resignation, said: “Between decency and the Communistic way there is no compromise. Resignation is the only way for a decent man to follow." Reuter's Paris correspondent states that Vaclav Benes, a nephew of President Benes, and also a fellow diplomat, Karel Hanus, have resigned posts with the Czechoslovak Embassy in Paris. As Dr. Benes did not sign the new Constitution before he resigned Cabinet has now promulgated itself as the temporary bearer of the Presidential powers until a new President is appointed. Parliament will be called together on Thursday, and will be asked to set the date for the new Presidential election as next Monday. Political circles in Prague regard it as a near certainty that M. Gottwald will be the next President. Dr. Benes in a letter addressed to M. Gottwald and the Cabinet said: "I informed you on May 4 of my definite intention to resign, and we discussed my decision in connection with the problems of the political situation. I

also told you that my physicians recommended me to resign in view of my health. “I beg you to ask the National Assembly kindly to take cognisance of my resignation from the responsible office with which it honoured me by unanimous vote on June 19, 1946- I thank it for its confidence. I thank the people for their confidence and love, which have been an immense support to me, and which I endeavoured not to fail.” HOPE FOR REPUBLIC. Dr. Benes hoped that the Republic "may be spared all catastrophes, that all may live and in work tolerance, love, and forgiveness. Let them allow freedom to others and enjoy freedom themselves,” he concluded. He believed in the genius of the Czech people, and in a great future for the Republic. M. Gottwald, in a statement, expressed the Government's "profound regret.” He said he had tried for a , long time to dissuade Dr. Benes, but the President had remained firm. He thanked Dr- Benes for his great services to the Republic. Though leaving the Presidency, he remained for ever in the history of the Czech people's struggle for freedom and independence, for a “progressive and socially just State.” M. Gottwald said: “Dr. Benes realised that a reborn Czechoslovakia would emerge front the war that would create firm guarantees that Munich could never occur again. "First, such a guarantee was a close alliance with Russia; second, a popular democratic order which would remove traitorous classes and the agrarian and capitalist bourgeoisie from power. “Dr. Benes, in the spirit of these principles, carried on after his-famous return to.his country, when he himself inaugurated the idea of our new Republic being a pro-Socialist Republic. “In the historic February of this year he remained faithful to his people and the heritage of our struggle when he signed the new composition of Government, which was to secure the further peaceful development of the State.” DISAPPROVAL OF CONSTITUTION A correspondent of the Associated Press says it is known that Dr. Benes frowned on the "people’s democracy" Constitution, with which he disagreed, and on the Communist Government's single-ticket elections. His retirement has removed Czechoslovakia’s last strong link with the West. It is officially announced that Dr. Benes will be given the Presidential country home at Lany as a tribute to his work. His Presidential salary will continue throughout his life.

Recd. 12.2 am. Prague, June 8 The Socialist Party executive, in a proclamation, said: "It is a comfort to all of us that Dr. Benes took a step by his own desire—shared by the whole people—to regain his health, which suffered as a result of fifteen years’ struggle with Nazi Germany Dr. Benes is leaving the battlefield only when the battle is over and victory assured and when the elections have proved there is no force in the State that could hamper the people’s march to Socialism.”