THREAT TO AUSTRIA

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22335, 24 February 1938, Page 1 (Supplement)

THREAT TO AUSTRIA

What Hitler. Has Done ' After the events of the last week Austria is filled with unrest and uneasiness about the intentions of Germany. The first event last week was the conversatien between Herr Hitler and Dr. Schuschnigg (Chancellor of Austria). Dr. Schuschnigg was summoned to Germany by the Fuhrer, and it is believed that Herr Hitler threatened an invasion, or at least a Nazi rising, in .Austria if the Chancellor did not submit to the German demands. What were the demands of Herr Hitler? In the first place Ministers favourable to Germany were to be placed in the Austrian Cabinet. Second, all Nazis in prison in Austria were to be released, and tnti-Nazi activities in Austria were to be

prevented. In return, Germany-was to recognise the independence of Austria. Dr. Schuschnigg agreed to these demands. Then, last Sunday, Herr Hitler made his speech at the opening of the Reichstag (the German Parliament). He made no reference to recognising Austria’s independence. Austrians think that he has broken his promise to Dr. Schuschnigg. For several days there have been continual disturbances in Austria. Nazis have marched in the streets and there have been fights with patriotic Austrians. Both Austria and Czechoslovakia are afraid that Herr Hitler intends to include them eventually in some sort of German Empire. There are many Germans living in both these countries, and Herr Hitler has never made a secret of-his desire to include them in the German nation. Italy, which is one of the Powers supposed to be guaranteeing the independence of Austria, did not make any effort to prevent Herr Hitler gaining control. This has caused anxiety in Europe, because it is believed that Herr Hitler and Signor Mussolini have agreed between them that Germany shall extend her power to the south, gjrVii-io Italy fbfiTi yule tha Mediterranean.

Britain’s attitude is that it is not for her to take the first step in protecting Austria and Czechoslovakia from Germany. But France is more eager to prevent Germany from becoming too powerful. The French Government has suggested to Britain .that they should together declare to Herr Hitler that interference with smaller European States will not be tolerated.