War in Europe Averted

24 September 1937 - War has been averted at the eleventh hour as the major powers came to a resolution over the "Sudeten Question". For the past several months, Hitler has been demanding the secession of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia that it might join the Reich following decades of "persecution, abuse, and a smothering of the political will of the German minority by an oppressive majority." The Czechoslovakian government had refused to concede to Hitler's demands and had called for France and the United Kingdom to defend it should Germany decide to resolve the situation in a militant manner.

Weeks of fruitless diplomacy failed to move Hitler as refused to concede any demands despite pressure by France and Great Britain and the threat of a general conflict. When President Chautemps offered to broker a peace between the German and Czechoslovak governments, Hitler replied by increasing his demands scuttling any progress.

Fears of war were further strengthened earlier this week when Czechosolvakia mobilized its forces and France partially mobilized her forces, the first time France had done so since the Great War. Prime Minister Chamberlain would quickly intercede at the final moment to halt hostilities, proposing a four-power conference to settle the dispute.

In Munich, through a plan devised by the neutral Duce of Italy, Benito Mussolini, an agreement was hashed out between Hitler, Chamberlain, and Chautemps that would avoid war. It recognized German rights to occupy the Sudetenland with its armed forces. An international commission is to decide the future of further disputed areas. Czechoslovakia has accepted the terms of the agreement.

Prime Minister Chamberlain later said in response to this diplomatic triumph:

My good friends, for the second time in our history, a British Prime Minister has returned from Germany bringing peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time.

SOURCE: Chicago Tribune