NAZI DEMANDS

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20740, 25 February 1939, Page 7

NAZI DEMANDS

IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA A SERIOUS SITUATION GERMAN PRESSURE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 16 The intense pressure which Germany is bringing to bear on Czechoslovakia, both officially and by means of semiofficial and even subterranean, organisations is likely t-o produce a serious situation before long. The Czech police since February 12 have arrested 200 members of a secret Fascist organisation, and seized stocks of seditious literature and anti-Semitic leaflets. The police believe that a large-scale onslaught on Jews is intended. This movement, which General Gajda leads, recently became suspiciously prosperous and most active.

There is good evidence that the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Rib-

bentrop, is particularly annoyed at the tardiness of the Czechs in obeying the German demands that Czechoslovakia should leave the League, grant the Nazis rights similar to those possessed in Germany, reduce the army, and purge the civil and military services of anti-Nazis. Latest German Demands Herr Ernst Kundt, who has arisen as the real leader of Nazi-ism in Czechoslovakia, declares that the Czech attitude to Germany is “highly unsatisfactory.” He demanded that his Nazis be allowed to wear the German Brownshirt uniform, which the Government of Prague refused. The latest Gorman demands are reported to be staff talks and an exchange of officer's between Germany and Czechoslovakia. Germany is continuing her pressure to obtain control of the Skoda and Brno (Bren) arms factories. Reports that the Krupp firm has already gained a big interest in the Skoda works are undoubtedly premature, but they certainly express the German wishes. It is recalled that France was formerly interested In the Skoda works, and maintained a Military Mission in Czechoslovakia. Apparently Germany wishes to enjoy similar privileges. A well-informed observer says that the German pressure is most intense. It is proof of the remarkable stamina of the Czechs that so far they have withstood it so successfully.