A PLEA FOR CZECHOSLOVAKIA
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
Sta,—A plea for Czechoslovakia! This State was established by the Peace Treaty to take over fragments of the defunct Austrian Empire. It did Europe the service—the great service
— of giving these orphan territories a decent government in a time of dangerous unsettlement. Its labours were not without success. We read in Whitaker for 1937, " Czechoslovakia is in a far more flourishing state than most of its neighbours "
— a testimony to good government.
I do not doubt that the time has come for such changes as we see now in action. But let this small State have due recognition of its past services to Europe. Is it too late to modify at least one Clause in the one-sided Agreement of Munich ? Must Clause 2 stand, as it is giving Germany the right to make fresh claims on Czechoslovakia ? Some sabotage is only to be expected from disappointed individual Czechs (human beings, not archangels !) who are to be turned out of their jobs and see their country impoverisried. Only wholesale removals of installations, if they should occur, should be charged against the Czech government.
The Czechs are now under the harrow. Will the Parliament of Great Britain just look on ?—Yours faithfully,
8 St. Lawrence Villas, Canterbury. W. EMERY BARNES.
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