GERMAN DESIGNS ON AUSTRIA SHIED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 102, 1 May 1936, Page 7

GERMAN DESIGNS ON AUSTRIA SHIED.

HINT TO POWERS.

Possible Action in Event of

Intervention.

INTERNAL DISSENTION. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 30. Berlin newspapers characterise the rumours of movements against Austria, as an attempt to sabotage the German peace plan. "The Times" Berlin correspondent says it is very improbable that Germany will at present attempt to annex Austria or otherwise change the regime as she hopes Austria will voluntarily join Germany. For this reason Germany has suggested that a plebiscite be held and has pointed out that Germany aims at revision of treaties, peacefully if possible. Nevertheless if other Governments attempt to intervene forcefully to defend Austria without consulting the inhabitants of the country arguments in favour of quiet waiting might be dissipated and Germany will confront Europe with another fait accompli. "The Times" Paris representative says tliat French anxiety lias lessened, as it is believed the Austrian Government has the situation in hand.

As earlier reported, the Nazis in Austria are taking advantage of the Phoenix Assurance Company scandals to intensify their propaganda.

Large numbers ot members of the Austrian Legion who fled to Germany after the 1934 revolt have crossed the frontier again.. The situation is made more grave by internal dissensions.

The Heimwelir is at loggerheads with the Storms Troops of the Chancellor, Dr. Schuschnigg. The Democrat members of the Cabinet are quarrelling with the Fascist members.

Dr. Schuschnigg says: "We are preparing for all eventualities and are ready to launch a counter-attack."

The Vienna Stock Exchange to-day reacted unfavourably to the situation as there are fears of a civil war.

" FULLY NORMAL."

AUSTRIAN FRONTIER TROOPS. LONDON, April 30. Dispatches from Vienna state that the reports of threatening developments on the Austro-German frontier are officially denied. The frontier situation is described as "fully normal." It is admitted that movements of troops are in progress, but these aie said to be only seasonal and for training purposes. The Munich correspondent of "The Times" says German troops have been stationed for some months in several towns near the Austrian frontier, but it is emphasised that their presence is merely part of the German scheme for the redistribution and reinforcement of units after conscription

The numbers of the troops are not regarded as excessive, although it is admitted that the total military strength in tlio border area may be o-reater now than in pre-war days. However, this is held to be not remarkable in view of the peace-time strength of the new German Army and the complete transformation of Germany's relations with Austria and Italy.

There has been, no appreciable reinforcement of troops at points on the frontier in recent weeks. The border area, it is added, is, and always has been, the most suitable in Germany for mountain exercises.

LOCARNO POWERS.

QUESTIONS FOR GERMANY,

British Official Wireless,

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

RUGBY, April 30. | Questions which are to be addressed to Germany by the British order to elucidate certain matters eo taincd in Herr Hitler's memorandum of March 31 were under discussion at yes terday's meeting of Cabinet, bu sideration of the matter was not completed. It was resumed at a special meeting of Cabinet this morning'. The questions will probably be presented through diplomatic channels at the end of the present week, and it is hoped this will allow of time for re P to be received from Germany befoie meeting of the Council of the League Nation? on May 11, when representatives of other Locarno Powers for whom Britain is acting, will meet at Geneva.

CREDITS FOR GERMANY. ALLEGED BRITISH SUPPLY. British Official Wireless. (Received 1 p.m.) KUG-tnc, April 30.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, was asked m of Commons whether he was several banks have granted to •* ' borrowers short-term credits oj »< "standstill" agreement, and whe. it■ • view of the fact that such creci. sactions had procured additional to „ exchange resources, enabling the man Government to increase its_ ra.w material impo-n- for rearmament »• would discourage the granting o ciedits to German borrowers.

Mr. Chamberlain repiied that he was not aware of any such credits. He > however, assure the House ti«t question had not been overlooUec , was ever present in the minds o Appropriate authorities. He had no reason to believe that t; e :liking community as a whole « acting other than in accoidance the general feeling of the House.