Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-08-07
Roosevelt Hears Military's Plea
To Strike to Save Democracies
Observers Relay Fears of French General
Staff That Time Works in Favor of Totalitarian
Germany and Italy.


cipitate war because of the minority ques-
ton in cSechoslovakia, is correct.
Before Lord Runciman departed for
Prague he had definite information that
Hitler was willing to grant Czechoslovakia
non-aggression pact for five years If the
principal requirements Of Konrad Henlein
were granted. This was interpreted in
London to mean that If Benes Is a good boy
and grants Henlein's principal demand
the severance of Czechoslovakia S alliance
with the U. S. S. R-there will be no trouble
this summer in Central Europe.
Chamberlain was enthusiastic over this
suggestion. He loves pacts and agreements
even though, as In the case Of the British
Italian pact, they mean less than nothing.
1t was in vain that Jan Massaryk, the
Czechoslovak Minister in London, pointed
out that his government is most skeptical
about the German aggression proposal.
In August, 1887 Hitler signed similar pact
with Schuscbnigg. 1t was a red-letter day
throughout Europe. 1t did away with the
fear OF the democratic governments that
Germany intended to bag" Austria The
bulky Field Marshal Goering went hunting
In Austria and his effusiveness frightened
was cautioned not to be frightened It
would make bad impression throughout
the world if neighbors did not trust the
solemn pledges Of their neighbors. Eighteen
months later Austria was wiped of the
map. became a district in Germany and
Schuschngg was thrown into solitary con-
flnement as an enemy of the nation.
Vain Queries on Guarantees.
What guarantee can Germany or Britain
give the Prague government that more or
less similar development will not occur in
Czechoslovakia? What guarantees, Mas
saryk asked could the British government
give that the Czechs would not become, be-
fore the end Of five years of aggression.
minority in their own country? 1t Is no
longer secret anywhere in the world that
Germany needs to establish her exclusive
influence over Czechoslovakia in order to
assure the fulfillment of the Baltic Black
Sea plan. And Germany will not remain
at peace until Czechoslovakia has become
the Reich's satellite.
All these facts were communicated to
Chamberlain. Yet Lord Runciman was sent
to Prague with definite instructions to con-
vince. if necessary by bullying, the Czech
leaders that they must accept Germany's
peaceful solution Of the minority dispute
Lord Runciman is not an arbitrator-he is
merely an unofficial mediator This at least
is his official title. But his mediation the
French and the Czechs fear. will take the
shape of giving orders or else.
Benes, Hodza and Krofta. the three Czech
leaders, have been confidentialy COM
planning in Paris for the last few months
that the British Minister in Prague has
been pressing them for all kinds of conces-
sions. And whenever one concession is
made to Henlein, another demand pops
up the next day. When Benes refuses to
60 further, the British Minister presses
the foreign Office to yield because "a
peaceful solution is considered by his
majesty's government as much preferable
to "a war; And when the French complain
in London that their last Central European
ally is being pressed too hard: when they
hint that public opinion in France would
Alot SCdIlO 1OI IIlC uLSdppcdIdIlCc VI CZcLIlOs
slovakia and the Paris government might
be forced into action. the Premier reminds
them gently and smilingly that the Franco
British understanding provides that France
cannot become an aggressor nation. Should
she overlook the provision she could not
count on Britain's help, despite the "one
flag" utterances of the British politicians
who periodically visit La Belle France.
Growing Difficulty Seen.
The situation will become more difficult,
the French and the Czechs fear after Lord
Runciman has taken in hand the media
ton of the German Czechoslovak dispute
The Germans are not likely to force the
issue this time They will adopt the old
tactics of wearing out their opponents
But in the meantime, the French general
staff is making frantic efforts to convince
Chamberlain that the sacrifice Of Czecho-
slovakia might mean measureless trouble
for the European democracies in the near
future. The same French general staff
which in 1936-when the Germans entered
the Rhineland-blocked the Sarraut gov
eminent by refusing to accept the re-
sponsibility of mobilizati on" at present
presses the government to take deter
mined attitude.
The ears and eyes of President Roose-
evlt. the emissaries who now are vacation
ing in Europe, are being told and shown
this in all frankness Figures, statistics
and other material are being placed at
their disposal in the hope that if somehow
or other the Government of this country
is made fully cognzant of the situation, it
might have stiffening influence on the
British Premier. The desire to strike now
if striking is necessary is not due. say
the French soldiers, to war thirst. It Is
just a logical conclusion of an intelligent
survey Of q situation showing what will
happen in Europe If Czechoslovakia be-
comes voiceless member Of the big happy
family of dictators.
(copyright. 1881 81,