Chamberlain speaks in Birmingham

Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister of Great Britain spoke yesterday in Birmingham, England. He was addressing the Jeweler's Association of that esteemed city. In his speech he spoke of continued peace but also of the preparations should that peace be no longer viable.

Early on in the speech, the Prime Minister addressed the effects of modern warfare saying that it is "so terrible in its effects on those who take part in it, no matter what the ultimate outcome may be, it brings so much loss and suffering even to those who stand aside and watch combat from the ring, that it ought never be allowed to begin unless every practicable and honorable step has been taken to prevent it". This he says is the "view of this government from the beginning". Last year's Munich Agreement is, as he says "an incident in a consistent, unwavering policy of peace."

He also states that "Without the improvement in the relations of this country and Italy, I could never have obtained Signor Mussolini's cooperation last September, and without his cooperation I do not believe peace could have been saved."

After bringing up the Italian dictator, Mr. Chamberlain spoke of his recent visit to Rome and meeting with Mussolini. This was to speak to the criticism that has recently been directed at Mr. Chamberlain concerning not only his visit to Rome which did not result in any agreement but also his recognition of the Franco government in war-torn Spain.

He claims that the visit to Rome was not without results. They were able to, in his words, "get to know Italian statesmen better, to ascertain by personal discussion what was their point of view and to make sure that they understood ourselves."

In addition, he claims that the he found "the intense and passionate desire of the Italian people for peace." Moreover, the "feeling is not confined to the peoples of Britain and Italy." He said quite optimistically, that one may find "the same thing in France...Germany...in every country of the world."

He cautioned immediately after making this statement "that it is with governments and not peoples that we have to deal." Despite this, he said "let us cultivate the friendship of the peoples, and that can be done by individuals and by traders as well as by more official representatives."

It seems that Mr. Chamberlain is encouraging a deepening friendship of European bortherhood amongst the British. Great Britain and its islands, has long has identity problems considering its geographic relationship with the rest of Europe.

He wanted it clear that "we do not regard them as potential foes but rather as human beings like ourselves with whom we are always prepared to talk on terms of equality, with an open mind to hear their point of view and to satisfy so far as we can any reasonable aspirations that they cherish and which do not conflict with the general rights of others to liberty and justice."

Now after taking a considerable time to be hopeful and optimistic, the Prime Minister turned his remarks toward an area that is less idealistic. He was more speculative and spoke of the possible defense that Great Britain may find herself embroiled in. "If we should ever be involved in a war" he said "we may well find that if we are not at all in the firing line, we may all be in the line of fire."

Despite the darkness of this particular image that the Prime Minister evoked he also said "...in meeting that danger there is a new opportunity of service for the civil population in the various branches of defense." It appears the Prime Minister foresees an increase in war-related jobs that may help the still sluggish growth of the British economy.

At this time, it was prudent for the Prime Minister to address preparations being made among the civilians, the homes, their communities and even their children. He mentioned the numerous steel air-raid shelters "which are to be provided to give protection to those who live in vulnerable areas and cannot be expected to provide them for themselves." Considering England and its industrial centers, that may be a very high number of air-raid shelters.

Moreover, he spoke the "evacuation from our large, congested cities. If evacuation is to be carried out effectively it must be done in an orderly manner and I think it will be generally agreed that we must consider the children first." According to Mr. Chamberlain, the Minister of Health has asked local communities for surveys of acceptable accommodations that may receive, house and care for children during a possible future wartime.

He later spoke of the rumors and gossip that has been in the papers and on the airwaves. These may be devisive and unsettling. "Today the air is full of rumors and suspicions which out not to be allowed to persist." Prior to this he also remarked that plans will be made publis with cooperation between civilians and authority but that there may times when "matters cannot be made public without prejudice to the national safety." In that event, "we shall disclose fully our revised plans for civil defense to all who would be affected by them."

At end of his speech, the Prime Minister devoted some time to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the current President of the United States of America. He recalled in the President's most recent New Year message that the President said "peace could only be endangered by... a demand to dominate the world by force. That would be a demand which, as the President indicated and I myself have plainly declared already, the deomcracies must inevitably resist."

Mr. Chamberlain, however, "cannot believe that any such challenge is intended." He returned to his earlier remarks on the ravages of modern warfare and the avoidance of such savagery by practical nations. He said " the consequences of war for the peoples on either side would be so grave that no government which has their interests at heart would lightly embark upon them. Moreover, I remain convinced that there are no differences between nations, however serious, that cannot be solved without recourse to war by the consultation and renegotiation as was laid down in the declaration signed by Herr Hitler and myself in Munich."

He finished by entreating all to "continue to pursue the path of peace and conciliation, but until we can agree on a general limitation of arms let us continue to make this country strong." He then made aspersions has he done so earlier to Great Britain's triumph over Napoleon. He remarked to the audience that Great Britain should "meet the future with the same courage which enabled our ancestors to win through their troubles a century and a quarter ago."

Mr. Chamberlain was received warmly by the Association. His remarks have been made available to the press. It can only be days before a response will come from Herr Hitler or Signor Mussolini.

Details of Munich Agreement hashed out

An international commission has met in Berlin to flesh out the Munich agreement. The Czechoslovakian government has protested its decision on the borders of the next area to be ceded to Germany, which includes many areas which have almost entirely Czech populations. Some 800,000 ethnic Czechs will come under German rule; but the Czech government has decided there is nothing that it can do about it, aside from protesting.

Slovakia has been given a far-reaching autonomy, but one which falls short of independence (which seemed likely earlier in the week). The Hungarian ultimatum expired yesterday, but the Czechs say they can’t respond to it due to the change in foreign ministers.

House of Commons backs Chamberlain

Parliament took 4 days of discussion and debate to decide whether to back Chamberlain and the Munich Agreement of September 29th. There were detractors and MPs who voiced scathing criticism and disastrous predictions.

Winston Churchill, one of Chamberlain's own Conservative Party, has never been on the same page as the Prime Minister. He has been the leader of a group called the Churchill Group which consistes of himself and two other members, Duncan Sandys and Brendan Bracken. They are also referred to as "The Old Guard". These MPs are largely anti-appeasers and favor a stronger foreign policy.

Churchill, as expected, was one of those who gave a speech in condemnation of the agreement.

We have suffered a total and unmitigated defeat...you will find that in a period of time which may be measured by years, but may be measured by months, Czechoslovakia will be engulfed in the Nazi régime. We are in the presence of a disaster of the first magnitude...we have sustained a defeat without a war, the consequences of which will travel far with us along our road...we have passed an awful milestone in our history, when the whole equilibrium of Europe has been deranged, and that the terrible words have for the time being been pronounced against the Western democracies: "Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting". And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.

He also declared this of Neville Chamberlain and his agreement with Hitler:

You were given the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, and you will have war.

Not all are as vocal as Churchill. Anthony Eden, another Conservative, was believed to be a rallying point for many MPs who opposed Chamberlain's actions, has kept quiet and avoided confrontation. He even abstained from the vote.

However, the vote was held and the Prime Minister won handedly with a final tally of 366 to 144. With a margin of 222, there is little chance the Prime Minister is going anywhere anytime soon.

Regardless of recent events, rearmament of Great Britain continues on the same pace it has been.

Beneš Resigns

As a protest to the loss of the Sudeten and Teschen, President Eduard Beneš has resigned and left Czecho-Slovakia. Political problems continue for the Czecho-Slovakian government in the wake of the Munich Agreement. The Future of the nation is unclear. The Military has stood down and is not interfering with the German taking of the Sudetenland.

The Celebrations continue in Sudeten.

Hitler in the Sudeten

Sudeten Germans continued their celebrations with the welcome of Hitler in Eger. People have been overcome with emotion by the arrival of the Nazis. There have been anecdotal stories of Sudeten Germans needing to restrained by Nazi troops barely able to contain the celebratory mobs.

The ecstasy continues as many Sudetens claim this to be a liberation. The area had been for 400 years under Hapsburg Imperial control but was taken by Germans during the Great War. Many regions within the Sudetenland are heavily populated with German nationals.

Hitler's arrival in Eger increased the joy and happiness beyond what many would have believed possible. It is as if Christ had been walking the streets of Eger. Many Sudeten Germans saluted the German Chancellor in the customary Nazi salute. He was greeted with flowers and the proverbial baby to kiss and bless.

Before arriving in the political hot spot of Eger, Chancellor Hitler also visited the border town of Asch. He and his entourage also stopped in the spa town of Franzensbad where he and Heinrich Himmler sampled some of the water from the Francis Spring thought to have curative powers.

Sudeten Germans welcome Nazis & Wehrmacht

After the Munich Agreement on September 30th, the already mobilized German Army began moving into the country. One of the first towns taken has been Eger, the site of much fighting in late September between Czechoslovakian troops and Nazi sympathizers.

The Czech people have much to be sad about. They lose 3.5 million citizens but also has lost 70% of its iron and steel, 70% of its electrical power and the famous Škoda Works. Even the very name of the young state has been changed: Czecho-Slovakia.

President Benes has had the the military print the march orders for his army and put the press on standby for a declaration of war. The nation is not giving in quite as easily as the major European powers would like.

Sudeten Germans have been jubilant and celebratory since the Munich Agreement was announced. Seemingly from nowhere Nazi flags and banners bearing the red, black and white colors and Swastika appeared in windows, on homes, businesses and on streetpoles. Children have notably been excited and have not been in schools since the announcement.

Two days ago Hitler marched unopposed into the Sudetenland. He said that it was the start of a 1000-year German Reich.

Polish troops continue to occupy Teschen as well.

Czechoslovakian Anger

Czechoslovakia has reacted largely with anger and disbelief. The President Eduard Beneš has protested the agreement which was made without Czechoslovakian input. British Prime Minister Chamberlain has told the President that if the country chose to fight Germany for the Sudetenland, they would have to do so without British support.



The people of Prague gathered to protest the sacrifice of their lands, economy and people for Appeasement.

British Politics in the wake of the Munich Agreement

The British are still celebrating their escape from war, in their different ways. The King has thanked his people for their steadfastness and his prime minister for his peacemaking. The churches were packed with thanksgivers yesterday, ‘Peace Sunday’.

Chamberlain is still "The Man of the Hour". The new Westminster Hospital has been endowed with £1,000 for a bed, to be named ‘The Neville Chamberlain Bed’, ‘in perpetual remembrance of great efforts made by the Prime Minister in the cause of European peace’. Lucio, in the Manchester Guardian quotes some of the more fulsome paeans of praise from the press, for example this one from James Douglas in Saturday’s Daily Express:

God has raised up in Neville Chamberlain a deliverer. Are we going to waste him? Are we as great as he is? Are we as noble? Are we as pure in heart? Beware of the old evil that is lurking within us, thirsting to destroy us.

More prosaically, there is speculation that if the House of Commons is hostile to Chamberlain’s report on Munich today, then he may take the country to a general election to capitalise on his popularity among the people. (An election isn’t due until 1940.) Chamberlain has already lost one minister over Munich, Duff Cooper, the First Lord of the Admiralty. His resignation speech, if fiery enough, could spark a revolt among those backbenchers who think too high a price has been paid for peace. Certainly Labour will be critical: one prominent Labour MP, Harold Nicolson, spoke in Manchester on Saturday and said

We have betrayed a valiant little country and a great democratic idea. There are many people who feel that in so doing we have achieved peace for a generation. They are wholly mistaken. We have not achieved peace for a generation: we have achieved it only for eight months.

And the ‘Peace Pact’ which Chamberlain signed with Hitler was "not worth the paper it is written on".

The preparations for war are winding down. But there are still political activities after the Agreement. Sydney King-Farlow, in a letter to the editor of The Times, describes the disaster which has been averted:

Had war come upon us, and it was hanging on a hair, it would have begun with repeated attacks by fleets of aircraft which speedily would have converted the capital cities of Europe into heaps of smoking rubble. The noblest works of man which belong not only to particular countries but to the whole world would have disappeared for ever and the destruction of human life would have been appalling.

He asks if this is not an opportune moment to try to reach an international agreement to prohibit the bombing of architectural and historical treasures in the great cities?

House of Commons on the Munich Agreement

The British House of Commons begins to discuss the Munich Agreement. The House will vote on the agreement in the very near future

Secretary Hull responds to the Munich Agreement

The Munich Agreement has been hailed in Great Britain as "Peace for out Time" and has been respected by the French and Italians. There is no doubt the Germans are over the moon about it and that Czechoslovakia despises it. As for the United States, the reaction has been one of cautious optimism and concern for a near future of warfare. Secretary Hull released this statement:

"As to immediate peace results, it is unnecessary to say that the afford a universal sense of relief. I am not undertaking to pass upon the merits of the differences to which the Four-Power Pact signed Munich on yesterday related. It is hoped that in any event the forces which stand for the principles governing peaceful and orderly international relations and their proper application should not relax, but redouble, their efforts to maintain these principles of order under law resting on a sound economic foundation."

Reactions in Great Britain to the Munich Agreement

After the return of the Prime Minister and news of the Agreement reached in Munich, there has been an air of jubilation throughout the British Empire. Lauds are being made at the honor of Great Britain, France, Italy and even Germany. The Lord Mayor of the Welsh city of Cardiff, O. C. Purnell has ordered that the flags of Italy, France and even the Swastika be flown over the city to honor these nations.

In spite of the joy that is in the air after the momentous event, there are detractors. The First Lord of the Admiralty Alfred Duff Cooper, 1st Viscount Norwich has resigned from his position due to the Munich Agreement. He criticised the Prime Minister for employing an Appeasement policy which is just as a effective as losing a war.

The King has accepted the resignation and noted that despite his acceptance of the resignation that he had enormous respect for Lord Cooper for standing by his convictions but that he is unable to agree with them.

It might seem churlish to express any doubts about the Munich agreement, given this tremendous outpouring of gratitude and relief. But doubts there are. Of course, having accepted, under enormous pressure, the terms of an agreement dismembering their country that they were not party to, the Czechs are none too happy about it: there have been massive protests in the streets of Prague. (The authorities had to blackout the streets in order to get them to disperse).

In Britain, Sir Norman Angell calls the agreement a ‘disgraceful sacrifice of innocent third parties’ and Robert Boothby, Conservative MP, calls it a victory for force. Sinclair, leader of the Liberals, says that ‘if war has been averted, peace has not yet been established’. For Leo Amery, the respite from war might be only brief, and should be used to bring in national service at once. The leader-writer of the Manchester Guardian admits that even if a war had been fought, there was no way that Czechoslovakia’s borders could remain as they were. But it remains to be seen whether Hitler is sincere in his desire for peaceful territorial revisions. And nobody who reads the terms carefully ‘can feel other than unhappy’, so harsh are they.

The London correspondent says that ‘At first it seemed like Armistice Day. The resemblance soon passed, but it is peace, however high the price and whoever has had to pay it’. The ARP and defence measures already taken are to remain in place, but nothing further will be done for now. Boxes for gas masks are to be procured and distributed, however! And Poland still wants Teschen, and it seems Czechoslovakia is unwilling to give it up.

Mussolini has also extended an invitation to Chamberlain to visit Rome. It is believed that similar accords can be made between the British Empire and the Fascist Italian State.

"It is Peace for our Time"

Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain landed at the Heston Aerodrome earlier today to scores of citizens hoping for a word on the historic events of this morning in Munich. In addition to the agreement of the cession of the Sudetenland to Germany, he also procured an Anglo-German peace agreement between Germany and Great Britain to supplement AGNA. After disembarking, he said

...the settlement of the Czechoslovakian problem, which has now been achieved is, in my view, only the prelude to a larger settlement in which all Europe may find peace. This morning I had another talk with the German Chancellor, Herr Hitler, and here is the paper which bears his name upon it as well as mine (waves paper to the crowd). Some of you, perhaps, have already heard what it contains but I would just like to read it to you. "We regard the agreement signed last night and the Anglo-German Naval Agreement, as symbolic of the desire of our two peoples never to go to war with one another again.

Later, he also had to speak to people outside his residence at No. 10 Downing Street.

My good friends, this is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And now I recommend you to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.

Many of the Prime Minister's colleagues have registered their pleasure at the resolution reached earlier today. Cabinet members whooped and hollered when the Prime Minister was accorded an honor never given to a Prime Minister in British History. He was asked to Buckingham Palace and appeared at the balcony usually occupied by the monarchy.

Before arriving at Buckingham Palace, King George VI sent the Prime Minister a letter telling the statesman of the Empire's gratitude for the deals brokered by the Prime Minister. The King also told the British People

After the magnificent efforts of the Prime Minister in the cause of peace, it is my fervent hope that a new era of friendship and prosperity may be dawning among the peoples of the world.

Reaction has already started to pour in throughout the country and the world and it is largely positive.

Munich Conference

The Four Powers met in Munich in an effort to keep war from occurring in Europe.

Despite the location of the problem being Czechoslovakia, it is not represented at a conference to decide it's fate. Joseph Stalin, premier of the USSR has voiced anger at this exclusion.

Hodza Resigns

Premier Milan Hodza has stepped down and the cabinet has been dissolved. This is a reaction to the capitulation to Germany's demands for the Sudetenland.

Chamberlain speaks

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Neville Chamberlain, finally spoke on recent events in Austria. His remarks were voiced in the House of Commons. He said:

His Majesty's Government have throughout been in the closest touch with the situation. The Foreign Secretary saw the German Foreign Minister on the 10th of March and addressed to him a grave warning on the Austrian situation and upon what appeared to be the policy of the German Government in regard to it.... Late on the 11th of March our Ambassador in Berlin registered a protest in strong terms with the German Government against such use of coercion, backed by force, against an independent State in order to create a situation incompatible with its national independence.

Later he concluded:

I imagine that according to the temperament of the individual the events which are in our minds to-day will be the cause of regret, of sorrow, perhaps of indignation. They cannot be regarded by His Majesty's Government with indifference or equanimity. They are bound to have effects which cannot yet be measured. The immediate result must be to intensify the sense of uncertainty and insecurity in Europe. Unfortunately, while the policy of appeasement would lead to a relaxation of the economic pressure under which many countries are suffering to-day, what has just occurred must inevitably retard economic recovery and, indeed, increased care will be required to ensure that marked deterioration does not set in. This is not a moment for hasty decisions or for careless words. We must consider the new situation quickly, but with cool judgement... As regards our defence programmes, we have always made it clear that they were flexible and that they would have to be reviewed from time to time in the light of any development in the international situation. It would be idle to pretend that recent events do not constitute a change of the kind that we had in mind. Accordingly we have decided to make a fresh review, and in due course we shall announce what further steps we may think it necessary to take.

One may think that the Prime Minister is reading the Treaty of Versailles very liberally. Chamberlain has made reassurances toward the Czechs that Britain would not let Germany make the same steps there. Czechoslovakia has been nervous since Anshluss.

Arthur Seyss-Inquart passed legislature yesterday that reduced Austria to the Ostmark, or Eastern Mark. As of the 14th, he is no longer the Chancellor of Austria. He now has a new title that of Reichsstatthalter.