Dissolution of Czechoslovakia

14 March 1938 - It is the end of Czechoslovakia as the world knows it. A nation not even two decades old has ceased to be today as the Slovakian Diet voted unanimously for its independence and Czech President Emil Hácha declared the remnants of the state protectorates of the German Reich.

The cause of these events are far more shocking. Many claim President Hitler has violated his claims to no further territorial gains in Europe, that Hitler was responsible for the dismemberment of the Czechslovak state, and fear this latest development may lead to a continental conflict. Anonymous sources have stated that President Hácha was summoned to Berlin and browbeaten into surrendering his nation to the German leader under penalty of aerial bombardment. Rather than let his nation suffer, Hácha surrendered to Hitler's terms.

There is still no word from either the French or British governments on the matter.

SOURCE: Courier-Journal

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