The Future of Europe - HG Wells Presents Dr Edvard Benes
In this broadcast from the Foyles Literary Luncheon, Sir Ronald Storrs introduces author HG Wells, noting his prophetic ability to foresee such arrivals as the aeroplane, the wireless and the television. Wells takes to the platform to formally introduce his friend, the former president of the Czechoslovakian Republic, Dr Edvard Benes. Wells apologises for having been unable to prepare properly for this introduction, yet speaks eloquently and at length about his admiration and respect for "the very great European statesman".
On taking the microphone, Dr Benes warns of the need for a new democracy to be established in Germany to stave off "a barbarism far worse than that of the Dark Ages". Having been ousted as president of Czechoslovakia in 1938, Dr Benes spent World War Two in England, from where he led the Czechoslovak government-in-exile. He reassumed the post of president in Czechoslovakia after the war, but resigned in June 1948 after the Communist Party gained control of the government. He died of natural causes just three months later.
