THE CESSION OF CZECH TERRITORY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
Sta,—In your last issue I notice that Mr. J. R. P. Moon in his letter states that nobody except apparently von Ribbentrop knew that we were prepared to allow large portions of Czech territory to be handed over to Germany. Surely he is going too far in saying this, because definite' evidence on the subject was brought before the House of Commons during the month of June last. It was then established that at a luncheon party at Lady Astor's house on May loth, the Prime Minister met about 14 American journalists and talked freely on the subject of foreign affairs. These journalists cabled their impressions to their papers, and the following are some of the extracts :
Extract from the New York Times, Saturday, May i4tli : " For Czechoslovak Dismemberment. The tumtion may well be asked whether Mr. Chamberlain attaches importance to a settle- ment of the German problem in Czechoslovakia and what his idea may be. Originally the Prime Minister certainly held the view that the best way out of the deadlock was to transform Czecho- slovakia into a sort of second Switzerland, with each nationality forming a separate canton and possessing far-reaching autonomy. " But expert investigation has shown drawbacks to such a scheme, and Mr. Chamberlain today, without prejudice, naturally, to the rights of the principal interested parties to decide for themselves, certainly favours' a more drastic measure—namely, separation of the Gentian districts from the body of the CzeChoslovak republic and the annexation of them to Germany."
Extract from New York Herald-Tribune : "Czechoslovakia cannot survive in its present form, the Britic:. are convinced.- Even if its allies and friends waged a victoriou war on behalf of the Czechs, they would insist that the Czech- 'disgorge their 'Act( minority to forestall' any more wars on that score in the future. Therefore, the CzecLis ,should be practical and make the best terms with Hitler without any wars at all."
It is quite clear, therefore, that the Prime Minister's mind was made up at this date in favour of ceding Czech territory to Germany.—Yours faithfully, GEOFFREY LE M. MANDER.
Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton.
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