Evening star., 1938-07-03

enter this controversy with clean hands, the
peace Of Europe will continue to be in
danger 50 long as an agreement between
Berlin and Praha is not concluded. What
Germany wants is bilateral pact. accom-
panied by the surrender Of the Czech alli-
ances with Moscow and Paris. II Presi-
dent Benes would consent to this kind of
settlement. Hitler would forget about Hem
lein tomorrow.
But in view Of the recent example of
Austria. how can Benes be expected to
make such an arrangement? Benes does
not intend to become a second Schuschnisg
and the Czechs know that, they give up
the support Of France and Russia, without
getting something in return they may suffer
the fate Of the Jews and other minorities
in Germany today
Nevertheless. If Britain and France con-
tinue to play . strong role, it is possible
that . compromise agreement can be ne
gotiated. Such an agreement might con-
tain three main provisions. First, it could
give international recognition to the new
nationalities statute
oSSOhuiS, ~ Hll6Hl even provide 1OI tOe
cession to Germany Of certain border areas
OF the Sudetenland. At the peace confer
ence OF 1919 the Czech delegation offered
to turn over to Germany about one-third
OF the Sudeten population-an offer re-
1ected by the conference For obvious
reasons. 1t would be extremely dificult to.
day to revise the Czech frontier in accord.
ance with this original proposal Never.
theless. such q minor revision could be
made without injuring the historical unity
or the economic welfare or the n,ii'o.y
security Of the country.
Could Get Guarantee.
Third. it could arrange an international
guarantee OF Czechoslovakia by Britain,
France. Germany. Italy and Russia on con.
dition that Praha give up its exclusive ALI i.
ances with Paris and Moscow. A Central
European Locarno might thus be created,
insuring that Czechoslovakia follow Q neu-
tral foreign policy.
Even though a compromise embodyina
these three points would remove the legiti.
mate grievances Of Germany against
Czechoslovakia, 1t is by no means sure
that Hitler would accept it. for 1t would
mean the end of NaN designs upon the
country. Nevertheless. the Western powers
as well as Czechoelovakia would strengthen
their position with world opinion II they
made this type Of offer and there is always
the possibility that Germany may accept
such a compromise If no solution more
favorable to her interests is possible with
out general war.
As far as America is concerned. Coecho-
slovakia is extremely grateful for the recent
statements of Secretary of State Hull, and
for the trade agreement concluded q few
| months ago. Despite the agreement. trade
with America has drastically declined This
has been due in part to the depression
in America and the international situation
| but it has also been due to a boycott by
American Jewish firms Of German-o -owned
firms in the Sudeten area. Even assum-
ing the validity Of boycott against Ger.
many proper, the boycott against German
firms within Czechoslavakia is q double
edged sword. For it makes more difficult
| conciliatory settlement of the German
| minority problem. throws out Of work Czech
| as well as German employees and injure,
the national balance of payments. II Amer.
lea wishes to aid czechoslovakia in this
crisis, she will discontinue this boycott
| (Copyriaht. 1888 By North American Newspaper
| Alliance. Inc.)