NEWS OF THE WEEK
THERE were no elections in Czechoslovakia last Sunday— the final votes are to be cast on the izth—and interest during the week-end was transferred from the Sudeten German to the Slovak question, owing mainly to the arrival of a deputation of American Slovaks from the United States and the holding of two mass demonstrations at Bratislava on successive days, one addressed by Father Hlinka, the Slovak autonomist leader, and the other by Dr. Hodza, the Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia, who is himself a Slovak. Father Hlinka represents a minority party among the Slovaks, the Slovak Clerical Party, who while declaring themselves fully loyal to the Republic, demand various forms of autonomy. The majority Slovaks, who stand for the fullest form of Czechoslovak unity, warmly responded to Dr. Hodza's appeal for the manifestation of that unity in the moment of national crisis. The Hlinka demonstration is, of course, being exploited by the German Press, which is pursuing a policy of sustained provocation, as a manifestation of hostility to alleged Czech domination, but that does not alter the fact that a clear majority of the nation is solidly Czechoslovak. The situation throughout the country is completely peaceful and it is probable that after next Sunday's elections the reservists who were called up may be disbanded. There are, however, persistent rumours that in face of the external menace military service in Czechoslovakia is to be increased from two years to three. Meanwhile discussions between the Government and the German and other minorities are continuing.
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