THE
HONGKONG TELEGRAPH,
THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 20.
1998.
"9
"He Said There Was One Awkward Question-That Of Colonies COMMONS HUSHED AS PREMIER TELLS OF DESPERATE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS Brilliant Speech that Moved World
LONDON, SEPT. 28.
IN ONE OF THE MOST STIRRING AND DRAMATIC
SPEECHES IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS SINCE SIR EDWARD GREY'S FAMOUS DECLARATION ON AUGUST 3, 1914, MR. NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN REVEALED LAST NIGHT THAT HERR HITLER HAD 'AGREED TO POST- PONE MOBILISATION OF THE GERMAN ARMY FOR 21 HOURS WHILE A FOUR-POWER CONFERENCE, CONSIST- AND GER- ING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, ITALY MANY, WAS HELD AT MUNICH,
The announcement was geeted by unimaginable relief. Danger is not yet past, but it is believed that the British Prime Minister will be able to exhort Herr Hitler not to give the final word for Mobilisation, which would undoubtedly plunge Europe Into war.
The Conference commences at Munich immediately. Loud cheers greeted Mr. Chamberlain when he rose to start his historic speech.
"We are faced to-day with a situation without parallel since 1914," he said." "The agreed revision of the League Covenant might have avoided this crisis. All members of the League must bear the responsibi- lities of that omission.
શ
"The position in July was deadlock in the Sudeten-Czech negotiations and fears were entertained that Germany might intervene.
uni+
"By the middle of August the gap between Henlein's Karlsbad speech and the Czech Government's proposals was too wide for negotiation. Henlein took a message from Lord Runciman to Hitler on Septem- would support the ber 2 hoping the Chancellor continuance of negotiations. "In joining guarantees for Czecho Henlein did not communicate Slovakia's security against all his reply to Lord Runciman but provoked attacks Britain was accept- ing the new commitment I mentioned, .returned convinced of Hitler's
and note was being taken of the desire for a peaceful solution. claims of Poland and Hungary for "In the meantime developments in similar treatment for their minorities. Germany itself were causing con- The aiderable anxiety to the British Government. Early in August we of military pre- received reports parations in Germany on an exten- sive scale.
"The
Government. however, was
MIL NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN
Constant Efforts To Halt German March
GERMANY WARNED
could not enter a guarantee unless British Ambassador to Berlin Was instructed point Italy did likewise. 10
Herr said that I did not ask out these abnormal measures which could only be interpreted abroad as Itler to enter
towards wanted gesture
made no objection, but said that hol and Anally attempt to find a
a
Czechten who might be com-conclude a non-nggression pact.
measures
or
both
(Cheers.) oth sides,
on September 20, making a further
Q. Mary Weeps As Drama Unfolds
sent
LONDON, Sept. 28. UEEN MARY was pre- in the Speaker's Gallory during the Prime Minister's speech and as she left immediately after the statement had concluded she was in tears.
The Duke of Kent, occupying the seat over the clock tradi- tionally reserved for the Prince of Wales, also listened to the speech.
An air of resigned apprehension dominated the Ciamber even when Mr. Chamberlain suddraly announc- ed that Here Hitler had agreed to postpone Mobilisation for a further 24 hours, but when the Prime Minis- ter added that "Herr Hitler has in- Munich vited me to meet him at
me to to-morrow" a terrific ehauge came over the House,
The members scemed to be rub- bing their eyes as though awakening from a nightmare and then followed the biggest round of cheers of the dny.
The announcement that invitations had also been sent to Signor Musso- in and M. Daladier produced n elimax such as hus not been seen in the House of Commons for many a long day.
Everyone awoke gradually to the full realisation that Mr. Chamber- lain had performed yet another service for peace and every mem- ber in the Ilause and every stranger in the gallery rose to his feel at a bound and wildly cheered, waved their arms, clapped and shouted, PREMIER MOVED
439
As the ovation subsided all the weight of the events of the past week seemed to have suddenly descended on the Prime Minister's fortitude.
Ho controlled himself with the ringing Ereatest effort, but his voice had and as he continued
rene he might have been asking a reli- glous assembly to offer prayer and In scarcely andible tones he con- cluded:
will be
concentrating all its efforts on the negotiations between Czecho-Slovakia think at a time like this it is too Sudeten problem on which depended and the Sudetens, the Premier said serious for idle laughter. They are
Government the pence of Europe.
that the British
was words which should be weigtied und "Coming to the Godesberg incident. faced with three alternatives: thren- fully weighed."
Mr. Chamberlain then proceeded I explained the terms of the Anglo-ten to go to war with Germany If French plan to Herr Hitler. He she attacked the Czechs; stand aside with his account of his conversations.
The Prime Minister stood with his take their "The French ministers when we met allow matters to
in London said that if Czecho-hend erect and the muscles of his solution.
Slovakia was attacked France would face twitching. "The Brst course we rejected, for full her treaty obligations. In reply Then he lowered his head, and for the with told M. Daladier that if the French moment stood uneasily a guarantee but we have no treaty liabilities
were actively engaged in cheering carried on. know if he was willing to Czecho-Slovakia and have always Forces
them. hostilities we would
support liabilities. | 410] refused to accept such
"I sent Sir Horace Wilson to "He said again that he could not The second course was also repugnant, pelled to take precautionary mea-
while other
minorities in and we addressed ourselves to the deliver my personal message io Herr Hitler before he delivered his specchi sures and thus the chance of succesfut do no
be Czecho-Slovakia were still unsatis task of mediation. Runciman mediation might
fled, but he had since put views of Mr. Chamberlain paid a tribute to destroyed.
a more positive form and has said Lord Runelman whose long and ex-proposal for discussions between the "Herr Von Ribbentrop replied,
of British representatives. that when those claims were satis-hausting efforts gained the esteem of Germans and Czechs In the presence military refusing to discuss the
fled he would join in an International
"Herr Hitier declined to depart and
the expressing
"Lord Runciman's efforts Guarantee."
from the procedure in the Memoran- opinion that the British eKorts
directed with a considerable degree
success
towards bringing the dum on the grounds that the con-
hope that the House Herr Hitler's Sudetens and the Czechs into nego-ference would lead to in aleráble of information consequence
"After reading Herr Hitler's speech prepared to release me now to see what I can make of this last effort." the movement of several refusal to agree to Mr. Chamberlain's tiations," he declared.. "On July 28 procrastination.
Quickly the Prime Minister resum German divisions France at the end other proposals, Mr. Chamberlain Lord Halifax wrote a personal letter
end continued:
von libbentrop, expressing of August took precautionary mea
"Th House wiil realise my regret it the latter's statement to Sir expressing disbelief in the Czechs'
sat beside the sures by summoning reserves and
the Maginot manning
On perplexity-after Herr Hitler had told Nevile Henderson that Germany must intentions to carry out their pro-ed his seat and both he and Sir John Premier throughout the speech, had
spoke
few August 31, Sir Nevile Henderson 10e that if the principle of self-reserve its attitude towards Lord mises I issued a statement offering Simon, who had
"Yesterday Sir Horace Wilson re-molst eyes us they Secretary gave the State
the determination was accepted he would Runciman's mission os a matter of to guarantee those promises. Willhelmstrasse strong personal warning regarding the
possible carrying it out attitude of Britain in the event of
deliberately deceived me or raised German nggression in Czecho-
false hopes. Slovakli, particularly it France were
"AR regards the postponement of compelled to intervene.
the talks scheduled for the follow- ing morning I put some points in a letter to Herr Hitler. Although the of reply contained an explanation it when the German people gave me a be there to preserve order during
in Prague had served, only to POSTPONEMENTS OF TALKS
increase the Czech intransigeance.
"In
.
about
line.
at
CONSIDERED REFUFF
Referring to the events
September 1. when Sir
After referring to
to Herr von
British concern.
were
Herr words to one another.--Reuter, conference with discuss with me ways and means of lord Halifax and expressed a hope sumed his
However, I do not believe he had that Germany would collaborate in a litler and found the latter's views Mussolini to Hitler to postpone action
of the Sudeten apparently unchanged.
"Hitler's peaceful solution
reply brought by question and afterwards to establish-
Sir Horace contains definite state" ing relations between Britain
Army Germany on a basis of mutual con-ment that the troops of the German would not nove beyond 11 cer- fidence and collaboration.
tain red line and that they would visit to Godesberg, During my
and
Nevile offered 10 modiflention of his warm welcome demonstrating their the plebiscite."
Mr.
ם
after Mussolini had received my message.
"Hitler has agreed to postpone mobilisation for 24 hours.
HOUSE CHEERS WILDLY
Everyone in the House rose and desire for peace,"
"Her Hitler offered to join an in-cheered wildly as Mr. Chamberlain Henderson saw Herr von Ribbentrop previous night's proposals.
explained
guarantee for the re-made this announcement, le
the Chamberlain, that night when and repeated the urgent warning he
"I explained to Herr ternational
mainder of
of Czecho-Slovakia once The Prime Minister was visibly
affected by the had given the State Secretary on the Memorandum and map was handled Hitler the Anglo-French proposals previous day, Mr. Chamberlain said to me that I spoke frankly to Herr relating to the transfer of territory the minority question was settled.
"I believe he means what he says, Throughout the speech, which was of the
and obscurities concluded at 4.21 p.m., he had that the Government desired to im-tler, telling him, and dwelling and the final delimitation
frontler. Herr litler declined to but the difficulties
was
demonstration.
press the seriousness of the slivation with all the emphasis in my power, conclude a pack of non-aggression have narrowed to the paint where Itspoken in strong and sometimes on the German Govermnent without of the risks involved in hla Insisting with Czecho-Slovakia while other is unconceivable that they could not ringing tones. His voice was low
formal representations, which the fon
sueli
terms
and the
terrible
minorities there were still unsatis-
thened.
German Government might interpret consequences war ensured,
"Despite these plain words. as a public rebuff as in the case of our representations of May 25.
conversation continued on friendlier The British Minister In Progue terms than ever.
Interests of Czecho-Slovakia to afford for my efforts but said that he con-
attitude of the British Government.. · COMPELLED TO MOBILISE No personal representations were
made to Herr Hiler as much action
manner.
an
TOO DILATORY
with
bo settled by negotiations.
LAST APPEAL
and controlled as he now declared that no member of the House will fail to feel his heart leap as he heard that the crisis has been once mort postponed.
Opposition Support
"therefore sent a last personal emphasisted that it was vital in the "Herr Hitler said he was grateful He also refused to accept my appeal stating that I was convinced "I hope that the House is prepared immediately without reservations sidered that he had made a response other proposals as too dilatory, and that we could reach an agreement in once more to release me now to go a week. I cannot believe you will and see what I can make on this Inst gave me his Memorandum. those conditions without which the in holding back his contemplated For the first time I found that it take the responsibility for starting effort."-Reuter. Sudeien question could not be con- operations. He said he was offering contained a time limit and I spoke world war which might end civilisa- sidered settled.
the Czechs a frontler very different "Subsequently Sir Nevile Hender- from that which would be taken as very frankly of the risks attendant tion. for the sake of a few days delay in selling along standing such terms. upon
"Whatever views we may have had son impressed on the leading Germani, the result of a war,
"I declared that the language and problem, I pointed out to the Chan-about Signor Mussolini in the past personalities at Nuremberg the
document was that of cellor. of the
11 "I sent bitterly reproach-
message to Signor everyone will welcome his latest declared the Premier "On September 14 a critical situa-edmatum, and for his fallure to Mussolini at the same time, appeal. gesture"
Chancellor
for peace,"
ing to him to refrain from force and referring to his appeal to the Italian might have had the contrary effect on developed and Czecho-Slovakia respond to my efforts al celing at to go himself to Berlin to discuss ar- Dletator to take a hand in European
Dealing
the Anal to what was intended.""
was compelled to mobilise, even at
said rangements with the German and affairs. The declaration was cheered rial returned from Berchtes-the "When
of provoking German Godesberg, Mr. Chamberlain
that he had a few words, with the Czech representatives and those of in the House.
Mr. Clement Attice made a bilet gaden Lord Runelman expressed the instan Mr. Chamberlain said, "I Chancellor which he did not think Italy and France. view that in consequence of the most
suggested to Signor Mussolini speech in the House welcoming the recent developments the Sudeichs resolved to go to Germany myself were without importance.
became aware that the "Herr Hitler repeated with great that he inform Herz Hitler that he Premier's statement.
་་་་ be re
am sure that the House la should be given the right to self- and soon determinailon immediately, while situation was much more urgent than earnestness that this was his inst (Signor Mussolini), would the integrity of Czecho-Slovakia could I had realised. Hitler declared that territorial ambition in Europe and he presented and urge Herr Hitler to desirous of neglecting no chance of preserving peace without sacrificing principles, and will wish to give the only be maintained if the internal rather than walt for the Sudetens to again earnestly said that he wanted agree to my proposal."
achieve self-determination he was to be friends with England and if
POSTPONE MOBILISATION Pelme Minister every opportunity and external polley was directed at
to tisk a world war. He, only the Budeten question could be got out of the way peacefully he
following this new move."Réuter. The Supreme announcement came self-determination
at the end of Mr. Chamberlain's means of effecting PINDING THE SOLUTION If I gave an assurance that Britain
QUESTION OF COLONIES speech when he announced that he 45,000 TON COAL ORDER
hind sent yet another appeal to itler, accopted them in principle, I under- if he
"He said there is one awkward offering to go again to Germany. Ho Continuity of emalement was ne After consultations with M. took to consult my colleagues if
active hostill!
bin Kastillion Daladier and M. Bonnet I was guided would refrain from
question the matter of colonies appealed, also to Mussolini direct to sured hundreds of British miners re- but that is not a matter for war. In my desire to find a solution which in the meantime. That assurance ho
Join a conference to settle detallscently when the Norwegian State When Mr. Chamberlain referred to within a week.
Railways ordered 95.000 tons would not bring about a European gave, provided nothing happened in
"Hitler has Invited me," said Mr. steam coal from the Newcastle Coal The Caeth Government Czechoslovakia of such a nature as Hers Hitler's reference to
Was to bind his hands and that assurance awkward question the matter of Chamberinin, "to meet him at Munich change for all very batween Octo-
invited 50 FAnna Doku
company Immediately urged to agree to has remained binding ever since" colonies" there was some laughter, in to-morrow. He hat also
Mussolini and M. Dalidiert wOBILIT
for 10,000 transfer to the Reich of all areas
THREE ALTERNATIVES
TRADE=2istoam coal Mr. Chamberlain' roblíkéi the in-accepted. Containing over 80 per cent Sudaten Referring to the position in July
"My appeal Biglas Fwhen the deadlock had arisen in the terrupters and said severely, "'1
enabling her to live at peace withowever, would discuss ways and would resume negotiations.
all her neighbours, "
the House.
"one
of
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