760F.62/1364
Memorandum by the Secretary of State of a Conversation With the Czechoslovak Minister (Hurban)
The Minister of Czechoslovakia called and, having returned to this country from Praha on yesterday evening, was naturally very greatly distressed and at high tension. He stated that the outlook appeared extremely dark to him. He had very few things to say more than some general comment, in which I participated, in regard to general conditions and possible developments. In answer to questions, he thought that, in the event of war, Poland would remain neutral, Hungary would do likewise, and Rumania would give the Soviets some privileges regarding passage through her territory; that his country could hold out longer than might be expected in the event of German attack. He was very indignant at the charges of mistreatment of Sudeten persons made by Chancellor Hitler in his speech of yesterday and he proceeded to deny each of Hitler’s charges. The Minister inquired what the course of this country would be in the event of a war to which England and France would become parties. I replied that a basic feature of our foreign policy is to use every practical means to avoid being drawn into a war between other countries; that that would be our policy in the event of an European war such as he described; and that, furthermore, we do not undertake to discuss theoretical questions such as the one he propounded.
The Minister expressed his great appreciation of the sympathy throughout this country for his country in its present great distress. [Page 677] I replied that unquestionably the American people are very sympathetic with the extremely distressful situation of the people of Czechoslovakia.