Evening star., 1938-09-19
Prague
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political clements are in constant con-
act with each other and with friendly
states. Governmental sectors are ap-
.roaching the problem from the view
point expressed by the President and
the Premier"
Basil Cochrane Newton, British
Minister, and Victor Leapold de La
croix, French Minister, visited For
eign Minister Kamil Krofta to ex-
S'ain the peace plan agreed upon by
france and Britain.
Both Ministers wanted indications
as to the course the Czechoslovak gov
ernment would take.
Meanwhile, the state Of emergency
a form Of martial law, imposed by the
government, was taking a firmer hold
on national economy and finance.
Regulations published by the ma
tional bank forbade Czechoslovaks
leaving the country to take out any
foreign currency whatever and allowed
them only 1000 crowns (about $3.50 In
Czechoslovak currency.
Premier Hodza's speech yesterday
setting forth the governments deter
minatlon to be firm and independent IN
settling the minority problem un-
doubtedly contributed greatly to the
troubles Of the British prime minister,
Neville Chamberlain, in his efforts to
effect peace plan through conversa-
tons with Hitler.
A further clarification of the Czech
view was expected after Mr.. Chamber
lain's second conference with Hitler,
some time this week.
1t was noted a large number of wives
and children were departing Czecho-
slovakia's British colony. Among them
was Lady Runciman, wife of the Brit
ish mediator, who went to London
Friday.
Border incidents took a more seri-
Gus turn at Asch, where hand grenades
and pistols were used in an attack on
Czech customs station. Two Czech
treasury employees were wounded.
Say Attackers Came From Reich.
Czech reports said the attackers
were in civilian clothes and came from
Germany. The Czechs believed this
incident revealed the purpose Of the
free corps" which Korad Henlein
Sudeten Nazi leader, organized after
he fed to Germany from a Czech
charge Of treason.
At the border town of Prabelsbrunn
Czech authorities reported finding so
hand grenades, 13 pistols and explo-
slves in a chapel in a cemetery.
The Czech police said they arrested
Sudeten party member who con-
fessed the arms had been smuggled
from Germany.
A number of refugees continued to
arrive from Sudeten areas, fearing
war. New refugee centers were being
opened. There was much talk that
war was imminent, and many resi-
dents were making arrangements to
leave the country. A majority Of the
population checked up on gas masks
and other protective equipment.
Plebiscite Solves Nothing.
Premier Hodza in rejecting q plebi-
scite said that a plebiscite, no mat
ter how it might result, would solve
nothing and it would bring about q
succession Of problems similar to that
which we now face"
Martial law would be maintained
despite the Sudeten demands for its
revocation in Sudeten areas, Premier
Hodza said, because "by imposing ex-
traordinary security measures the gov
eminent merely was doing its first
duty-preservtng order and protecting
its citizens"
He appealed for national unity. and
said:
"The government is prepared to con-
tinue its policy Of understanding with
various nationalities and especially
with the Sudeten Germans, but will
completely defend the integrity Of the
state while pursuing negotiations on
the basis Of It's most recent proposals. "