NEWS OF THE WEEK
THERE being no agreed interpretation of the events of the past week as they affect Czechoslovakia, the rival versions must be recorded. According to Germany there was never any question (in spite of Herr Hitler's discussions with his Ministers and his Generals) of military action against Czechoslovakia, and the Czechoslovak mobilisation of one class of reservists was a wanton provocation. According to opinion in practically every other European capital the danger of German intervention on behalf of the Sudeten Germans was great, and was only averted by the firm front shown by Great Britain and France. The first day's voting in the communal elections in the Sudeten German area, as well as in other parts of Czechoslovakia, notably Prague, took place on Sunday without disturbance, the results substantially improving the Henlein Party's position, but not quite as much as the recent amalgamation of that party with the German Agrarians and the German Catholics would have suggested. This proves clearly enough that the voting was perfectly free, and at the same time the existence of a not inconsiderable German minority may act as some check on the more extravagant Sudeten German claims. But relations are severely strained and Germany is making the most of two or three frontier incidents, notably the shooting of two Sudeten Germans by Czech frontier guards. Fortunately their funeral at Eger on Wednesday was marked by no disorder. Altogether, in spite of various accusations, both Czechs and Sudeten Germans have shown, under a heavy strain, substantially increased by incentives from outside the frontiers, commendable self-discipline.
