The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-09-02

VI 4O1O HO6ebAA " VA AA~AAAN O'OA SA ment some time last week.
 First intimation came from Lord Runciman, sent to Czechoslovakia to climb down both sides and pro- long the discussions until the ap- preaching winter made it too late for the Germans to attack. Last week Runciman advised his gov ernment in Londan that the younger Sudeten Germans were getting restless, that Henlein had warned him he could no longer keep them in check.
 This restlessness probably was the result of a cue from Nazi Ger many, and for that reason even more significant. Anyway, it had its effect.
 British Ambassador Henderson in Berlin immediately had talk with Foreign Minister von Rib bentrop, warned him against any belligerent tactics in Czechoslo- vakia. Ribbentrop, apparently none too impressed, pointed out that two and half months had passed since the Sudeten Germans had voted by 98 per cent ma- jority in favor of autonomy, and so far they had received no ap- preciable concessions.
 Ribbentrop then warned Hen- dersOn that if there were any Czech reprisals against upris- ings by Sudeten Germans, then Germany would be forced to act. It was after this that Britian mobilized her fleet.
 REASON: There are sure to be Czech reprisals against any Su- deten uprisingS. After all, Czecho- slovakia still is Czechoslovakia, not Germany; and the Czechs, armed to the teeth, are deter mined to keep order within their own border.
 It was at about this time, also, that U. S. Ambassador Hugh Wilson called on Ribben- trop, emphasized the gravity with which the United States viewed the situation, and indi- cated in very pointed language that it might pay Germany to re-read the U. S. Neutrality Act.
 In other words, it was pointed out in diplomatic language that under the Neutrality Act the United States could supply Great Britain and France with all kinds of raw materials, and that Germany's greatest weakness was lack of raw materials.
 APPARENTLY THIS ALSO FAILED TO IMPRESS VON RIBBENTROP.
 Hitler'S Goal
 Hitler's goal is to drive through Czechoslovakia to Hungary, Ru- mania, the Black Sea and the So- viet Ukraine, creating great economic empire under German influence. This drive need not necessarily be military - though it is based solely on the threat of military force.
 If he thought he would precipi- tate world war, it is doubtful if Hitler would move. But he has won so much so easily in the past, through the mere threat of plung- ing Europe into war, that he may bluff again.
 If he figures that Britain does not mean business, he will. How ever, two important factors in- fluence the British.
 ONE, is the fear that Russia may move in to help Czechoslova- kia if and when Germany clashes with the Czechs, thus precipitat- ing war despite the British.
 TWO, is a changed sentiment on the part of British public toward the spinelessness of the Chamberlain foreign policy.
 For year Chamberlain has been following the policy of buy ing peace by surrender. He was willing to make any concessionm to avoid war. Result was that the Nazi-FaScist countries de- manded bigger and bigger prices.
 One thing which particularly got under the British skin was the spectacle of over 50 British ships sunk by Franco's fascist planes, and not one move to re- taliation by the prime minister. Insults to the Union Jack on the high seas are something the British loath to take.
 All this decreased Chamber lain's popularity tremendously. But he argued that it was neces- sary to be patient in order to consumate the Chamberlain-Mu solini agreement. Now, however, the Anglo agreement >is in the ash can. Il Duce did not hesitate to snap his fingers at it when circumstances suited him.
 Mussolini tore up the agree ment by sending more Black Shirts to Spain.
 This was the worst sock ever