NAZI OUTBURST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 247, 31 July 1936, Page 5

NAZI OUTBURST

4t»RIOT AT OLYMPIC CEREMONY. AUSTRIAN PRESIDENT “BOOED.” HUNDREDS OF ARRESTS AT VIENNA. (United Press Association—Copyright.? VIENNA, July 29. Strange, unexpected scenes marked the arrival of the Olympic torch, the Nazis turning what should have been a great sporting event into a political demonstration. Cries of “Heil, Hitler” became one continuous roar as the Austrian runner, bearing the torch, passed the Roman Gates of Hofburg. Then, when after lighting the sacred flame, the Austrian Olympic president (Herr Schmidt) mentioned the name of President Miklas, there was a storm of catcalls and booing. Pandemonium broke out when Prince von Starhemburg (formerly Vice-Chancellor) stepped on to the platform, whereas President Miklas was heard in silence. When Prince von Starhemberg lit the torch for the new runner the Nazis’ outcry was deafening. Many fights throughout the city followed, especially in the Jewish quarters, as the cry of “Heil, Hitler” rang out through the streets. It is estimated that between 400 and 500 arrests were made including several German agents. Many of the demonstrators looked miserably poor and appeared to have been hired to shout the Nazi slogans. It is officially announced that owing to the incidents action under the amnesty has been stopped indefinitely. Those arrested will be sent to a concentration camp. “WE CANNOT HELP IT.” GERMAN VIEW OF OUTBURSTS. (Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) BERLIN, July 30. “We cannot help it, avo could not have prevented it,” is the German official attitude toward the demonstrations at Vienna. “Our authority ends at the German frontier.”

The Berlin Press unblusliingly ascribes the demonstrations to Communists.

THE AMNESTY SUSPENDED.

THE DEMONSTRATION PLANNED. (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) VIENNA, July 30. The Chancellor (Dr. Schuschnigg), announced that tho political amnesty has been suspended. In consequence of the disturbances yesterday, over live hundred arrests were made, when the crowd shouted “Down with M|klas and Starhemburg,” during the welcome to the bearer of the Olympic flame. Prisoners already released will again be arrested, and compelled to finish sentences if they took part in the demonstration. A semi-official statement says that tho demonstration was planned beforehand, and leniency cannot be shown to the demonstrators, because they personally attacked Dr. Miklas and abused the German Chancellor.