CAPITAL OF THE REICH

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 60, Issue 31, 16 November 1939, Page 6

CAPITAL OF THE REICH

CONSIDERATION OF REMOVAL. FEAR; OF BRITISH BOMBERS. LONDON, November 6. Herr Hitler, who has been severely shaken by the numerous diplomatic defeats that he has suffered recently, is, says the Budapest correspondent of the “Daily Express,” considering.moving the capital of the Reich to Vienna. Preparations for establishing the Government there have, adds the correspondent, already been ordered. The reason for this is that Berlin is becoming too dangerous for Nazi loaders, and the fact that Royal Air Force ’planes have been able to drop pamphlets in its streets has proved that it is within easy bombing range of London. It could be bombed without difficulty as a reprisal for any raid that German ’planes might make upon the British capital. Vienna is 800 miles from London 200 miles further than Berlin—and it is believed that British sentiment would ensure it comparative immunity from bombing. Buildings in Vienna that would lie suitable for use as offices by the German Government are being evacuated, the correspondent declares, and the Schoenbrunn Palace, where the Emperors of Austria lived and wheie Napoleon once stayed, is being renovated as a home lor Herr Hitlei. Every precaution is being taken to keep the plans secret irom the Austrian people until they have been completed. Only German workmen are&employed in renovating the •Schoenbrunn Palace. Feverish air raid precaution activity is evident in Berlin, and hints are being circulated about sensational developments. This, it is thought, is merely a continuation of the “war of nerves,” and is intended to make Great Britain believe that a big air wish against the Allies is to he made at last.