Europe and the Czechs

224 Pages·1938·8.006 MB·English

by  DUFF, S. Grant, Maps by RAJCHMAN, Marthe

A PENGUIN SPECIAL
s.
GRANT DUFF
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EUROPE AND
THE CZECHS
by
S. GRANT DUFF
with nine maps by
MARTHE RAJCHMAN
PUBLISHED AS A 'PENGUIN SPECIAL' BY
PENGUIN BOOKS LIMITED
HARMONDSWORTH MIDDLESEX ENGLAND

First published 1938
MADE AND PRJNTED IN GREAT BRITAIN FOR PENGUIN BOOKS L1MIT~D
BY PURNELL AND SONS, LTD., PAULTON (SOMERSET) AND LONDON
To
NOEMI RIPKA AND HUBERT RIPKA

The Greeks at Thermopylae, when the Persians came
near thepass, being alarmed, consulted about a retreat.
While they were deliberating on these matters, Xerxes
sent a scout on horseback, to see how many they were,
andwhatthey were doing. When the horseman rode up
to the camp, he reconnoitred, and saw indeed not the
whole camp,for it was not possible that they should be
seen who were posted within the wall, which, having re
built, they were now guarding: but he had a clear view
ofallthoseon the outside whosearms werepiled infront
ofthewall. At this time theLacedaemonianshappenedto
be posted outside; and some of the men he saw per
forming gymnastic exercises, and others combing their
hair. On beholding this he was astonished, and ascer
tained their number..and having informed himselfaccur
ately,he rodeback at hisleisure,for no onepursuedhim,
andhemet withgeneralcontempt. On his return hegave
anaccount to Xerxes ofall he had seen. When Xerxes
heardthis, he could not comprehend the truth, that the
Grecians were preparing to be slain and to slay to the
utmost oftheir power. But, as they appeared to behave
in so ridiculous a manner, he sent for Demaratus, son
ofAriston, who was then in the camp..and whenhe was
comeinto his presence, Xerxes questionedhim as to each
particular, wishingtounderstandwhat theLacedaemonians
were doing. Demaratus said, 'These men have come to
fight with us for the pass and are now preparing them
selves tofight. For such is their custom, when they are
going to hazard their lives, then they dress their heads.
But beassured, ifyou conquer these men and those that
remain in Sparta, there is no other nation in the world
that willdare to raise their hands against you, 0 King!
For you are now to engage with the noblest Kingdom
and city of all amongst the Greeks and with the most
valiantofmen.'
HERODOTUS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. WHY CZECHOSLOVAKIA? . 11
If. EARLY HISTORY OF THE CZECHS 23
III. BEFORE THE WAR 32
IV. WAR AND PEACE 46
V. GERMAN PLANS FOR CENTRAL EUROPE 62
VI. THE ALLIED SETTLEMENT . 78
VII. THE FRONTIERS OF CZECHOSLOVAICIA . 92
VIII. POLITICS IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA 98
IX. SUDIITEN GERMAN POLITICS 118
X. MARCH, 1938: INTERNATIONAL CZECH
SITUATION 133
XI. MARCH, 1938: INTERNAL CZECH SITUATION 153
XII. MAY 21ST 172
XIII. THE POWERS AND THE CRISIS 183
XIV. BRITAIN AND CZECHOSLOVAKIA 187
xv.
WILL THE CZECHS FIGHT FOR BRITAIN? 205
ix