Bitter clashes between Czech citizens and members of Konrad Henlein’s pro-Nazi German Sudeten Party in the provinces marked observance of May Day today as thousands solemnly pledged themselves to maintain democracy with Czechoslovakia’s frontiers.
The most important clash occurred at Opava, a small frontier town on the Reich Silesian border, where several were injured following an early morning row between Czech patriots and Henlein Nazis. In an effort to maintain their pledge to refrain from demonstrations the Nazis received orders to remain in their homes throughout the afternoon.
In the capital more than 50,000 persons staged an impressive parade the keynote of which was reflected in multicolored banners proclaiming Czechoslovakia’s determination to remain a free and independent nation. The vast gathering in front of the City Hall brought together for the first time the National Socialists, who are not to be confused with the Nazis, the Social Democrats, and the National Democrats.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
