Evening star., 1938-08-14
POWERS 0NGUARD
FORSUDDENRE|CH
STRIKE At CzECAS
Reports From Diplomats in
and Around Germany
Reassure, However.
PEACE OF EUROPE SEEN
AT MERCY OF INCIDENT
Avoidance of War Believed
Ringing on Runciman's Efforts
for Settlement.
BACKGROUND

6AChGHOUND-
European wdr fears heightened
IN recent days by approach of Ger
man Army n.dneupers in Which 1t
Is reported 10000 reserWsts hare
been called to the colors. Germany
also has yeQuisitioned trucks, buses
and other Dehicles and is rushing
completion OF Ddst Notifications
along French frontier. Highways
being built toward Czechoslopdkta
also are reported being gtuen
temporary surtacing.
By the Associated Press.
LONDON, Aug. 13. - Germany's
preparations for nationwide military
maneuvers have put other European
powers on an unusually vigilant look
out to prevent anything which might
lead to a swift Nazi stroke against
Czechoslovakia.
Reassuring reports, however, reached
European capitals from ENJOYS in and
around Germany. Moreover, Germany,
in Berlin press releaae today. sought
to allay suspicion over the military
exercises which are expected to reach
their peak between September 9
and Il.
The press release, made available to
al German newspapers by DNB.
German oficial news agency, accused
interested foreign circles" of attempt
ing TO stir up uneasiness in the
European general public"
Stats Kept Prepared.
Nevertheless, the high government
and military oficials of other nations
kept their stats in state Of prepared
ness.
Their chief fear was that some Incl
dent might topple the delicately bal
anced peace structure Of Europe.
Closely linked with the fear was the
fact that Germany's whole economic
life as well Is military was on war
time basis. .-.-..-.
The British : war ONCE warned eli
Britons holding military rank that
they must get special certificates in
order to avoid trouble" II and when
they travel in Germany. This re-
suited from . recent German order
to guard the secrets Of her fortified
Gones.
Crucial Period for Europe.
All quarters recognized that Europe
faced crucial period in the next few
weeks Of summer, with peace possibly
hinging upon Viscount Runciman's ef-
forts to work out solution Of the
Czechoslovak- German minority quar-
rel.
The viscount is Britain's unofhcial
mediator in the long standing friction
between the Praha government and
the 3,500,000 Sudeten German minor
ity-a minority among Europe's Ger
manic peoples whom Reichs- Fuehrer
Adolf Hitler has vowed to protect
from suffering"
The German maneuvers served az
m ominous reminder Of what form
that "protectorate" might take X Wis.,
count Runciman fails.
Gold Bought Heavily.
General anxiety was reflected in
continued heavy buying Of gold in
London as a security against politi-
cal-financial developments. Sales to-
day totaled 81 1886, 900 (about $6,74s.-
O00) The price reached 142 shillings
9 pence an ounce (S34.7774, a penny
higher than yesterday.
Prime Minister Chamberlain, who
had returned on Tuesday from Scot
land vacation, ostensibly in need Of
treatment for catarrh. remained at his
official residence. No. 10 Downing
street, to spend the week end there in
close touch with the continental
situation.
During the day in Paris French For
eign Minister Georges Bonnet con-
ferred with r. I. Campbell, Charge
d'Affaires of the British Embassy.
Manifesto by Czechs.
In London, importance was at
tached to a recent manifesto by Czech
oslovak military officers which de-
clared there could be no retreat" on
the question of preserving Czechoslo-
yak integrity.
Although government quarters in
both London and Paris sought to allay
fear 1t was apparent that some Of the
optimism voiced by Mr.. Chamberlain
before Parliament went into its sum-
u1er recess had disappeared.
Germany's continued press and
radio campaign against Czechoslo-
vakia, in addition to the forthcoming
military demonstration, have de-
tracted from Mr.. Chamberlain's July
rs assurances.
Objects to Match.