Evening star., 1938-03-20
.CzECHS UNM0VED
| BYH|TLERDEMAND
Soviet Pact Abandonment
May Be Bargaining
Subject, However.
BY the Associated Press.

by tne ASSOClAted Press.
PRAHA, March l9.-Adolf Hitler
was said by diplomatic sources today
to have demanded that Czechoslovakia
abandon her military alliance with
Soviet Russia-but the Czech govern
ment showed no indication 1t would
comply.
Hitler's demand was said to have
constituted Der Fuehrer's basic con-
dition for: talking terms with the little
republic, now two-thirds surrounded
by the expanded Reich.
Czechoslovakia's existence virtually
rests on her alliances with Russia and
France. apart from sturdy reliance on
her own military resources.
Soviet Pact Never Popular.
The Russian alliance never has been
extremely popular, and if Germany
offers good compensation, political
circles believe there might be some re-
organization of Czech policy.
Hitler's unexpected move, said to
have been made through diplomatic
channels, came as the Czech govern
ment capitulated to another German
demand
BY action OF the cabinet council,
the 3,500.00O Germans in Czechoslo-
vakia were given greater voice in
the war-created republics government.
The move permits administration of
German districts by German nationals.
In Mod IN (npnuro,o;s>
Although the concession apparently
would not satisfy completely the Czech
Germans. headed by 3s-year-old Kon-
rad Henlein, 1t was evident Czech
leaders were in the mood to compro-
mise.
The haste with which they an
nounced the administrative measure
indicated that. Although the Czech
government insisted the measure was
under preparation long time, an
nouncement at this time was signifl-
cant
The Henlein party has remained
silent thus far, but Czech govern
ment circles do not expect Heinlein
to be satisfied with the steps already
taken. A typical Nazi Heinlein may
be expected to hold out for all or
nothing. unless Hitler deems it advk-
able for him to compromise.
Autonomy Held Impossible.
Government circles said political
autonomy for Sudeten Germans was
impossible for three reasons:
First, in only a few border towns
is there clear German majority. In
most Sudeten regions Germans and
Czechs are mixed.
Second. to give autonomy to the
Germans would be to erect a state
within state.
Third, and worst of all from the
viewpoint of democratic Czecho-
slovakia, a state within a state would
have an authoritarian government
which would deny the very principles
on which the republic is founded.
Ready to Settle Otherwise.
Barring only autonomy, the Czech
government is willing to settle the
German minorities question in an
amicable manner. Czech statesmen
do not hesitate to acknowledge mis-
takes have been made in the past.
They are confident the Nazi gov
ernment, too. will give the Czech gov
ernment credit for sincere good will
in the hope Hitler will exert a re-
straining influence upon radical Nazis
led by Henlein.
Meanwhile, the Czechs were fixing
their fences at home Dr. Frank
Jezek, deputy representing the Ma
tional Union. one of the most con-
servative Czech parties. was an
nounced as minister without port
folio The National Union thus far
has been in the opposition.
Jezek is to organize the new min
istry of economics. With his entry
into the government all Czech parties
except Communists and Fascists now
are in coalition.