World War II: German Radio Reports in Czechoslovakia

Telegram
No. 380 of September 17PRAGUE, September 17, 1938 - 3 p.m.
Received September 17, 1938 - 5:15 p.m.

Consulate Bruenn reports:

"Regard myself bound to telegraph the following: As a result of German radio reports, widespread fear psychosis has arisen among German population. Hence large-scale exodus, in particular of women and children, although complete calm prevails in Moravia-Silesia, of which I have received confirmation by personal communications from agents from all parts of the district covered by the Consulate."

No incidents of any importance have occurred anywhere for days; meetings of Germans and singing of German songs in a few places have had no repercussions. Opinion frequently held among Germans that radio grossly exaggerates. In this way belief in its reliability shaken, especially as its inaccuracy established in individual cases by direct information. On the other hand, as result of these radio reports Czechs are very exasperated with German element here because of supposedly false reports. Position and morale of Germans not strengthened but weakened by radio. This view shared by leader of the Sudeten German Party here.

HENCKE

Source: "Documents on German Foreign Policy," Series D, Vol. II, pp. 824-825.

Sources: Yad Vashem