NAZIS SEIZE AUSTRIA

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 143, 14 March 1938, Page 9

NAZIS SEIZE AUSTRIA

Schuschnigg Resigns On Hitler’s Threat Of Armed Invasion GERMAN TROOPS POURING OVER FRONTIER Hitler Nominates Chancellor In' New Nazi Cabinet; Plans f Plebiscite On Union With Germany Nazis are in complete control of Austria and German troops are pouring over the frontier. Yielding to a threat of armed invasion by Germany, Dr. Kurt von Schuschnigg, Austrian Chancellor, has resigned and is confined to his home under guard. A Nazi Government has been formed, with Dr. Seyss Inquart, Herr Hitler’s nominee, as Chancellor. Dr. Inquart has issued a decree for the immediate dissolution of the Fatherland Front, many members of which have been arrested. Preceded by several columns of armoured cars, tank regiments and members of the German General Staff, Herr Hitler arrived at Linz, in Austria. Here he made a broadcast speech declaring his intention of holding a plebiscite on the question of Austrian-German union, as the result of which it is predicted that he will become the Fuehrer of a Greater Germany or of two different German States. Protests by Britain and France against the use by Germany of coercion backed by force against an independent State have been rejected as unwarranted. At an emergency meeting the Czechoslovakian Cabinet discussed the crisis, but Germany has given an assurance that she entertains no hostile designs against Czechoslovakia. Nazi Storm Troopers have replaced Austrian Customs officeis on the Czechoslovakian frontier. The Italian Foreign Office states that Italy does not intend to interfere in Austrian affairs and regards the events as logical and normal. GERMAN TANKS ADVANCE; TROOPS REACH VIENNA By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received, March 13, 7.30 p.m.) Vienna, March 12. German tanks are advancing and troops have arrived at Vienna. Herr Hitler arrived at Linz preceded by several columns of armoured cars, tank regiments, members of the Geiman Staff and the Commander-in-Chief of the Tank Corps. Fie was welcomed in the City Square by members of the Austrian General Staff. The Square was lined with tens of thousands of troops, standing shoulder to shoulder, absolutely keeping out the crowds, whom the newly-appointed mayoi addressed, recalling his school days with Herr Hitler. . . . Herr Klausner, newly appointed Minister for Moulding the Political Will, broadcasting, said. Austiia is;a tee Austria. The Nazi Government’s first task will be to find work and bread for all Austrians. In this houi las xyou o me lovingly of our leader, Herr Hitler, whose flag now flies over his Homeland. One People! One Keich. One ea er. Hell Immediately it was announced by radio that President Miklas had entrusted Dr. Inquart with the leadership of the Government, the Horst Wessel song was played and repeated at intervals. . . f Hundreds of important Government officials throughout Austria have resigned, _ including Herr \ y , Vienna, who is reported-to have been arrested. It is stated that police, who are occupying the Government build g , arrested a number of members of the Fatherland Front including the distinguished Press Chief, Dr. Inquart has issued a decree for the immediate dissolution of the Patriotic Front and has closed do ‘ d r newspapers Dollfuss Square has been renamed Adolf Hitler Platz. Dr. von Schuschnigg is confined to his home under German troops arrived at Innsbruck, accompanied by a section of the Austiian. Legioiq consisting of fug’ ’ L the abortive Nazi rising of 1934, since when they have bpen receiving military training in intense Nazi Hitler’s’rigid requirements that these legionaries, numbering 30,000 who have been drilled m Ger c y lines, should return to keep order in Vienna. with «wn«stikas Other columns are advancing via Kufstein and Scharding. Houses along the routes are all decot ated with s«ast>te Troops claim that they are warmly welcomed by the populace. Troops are still pouring acioss the iron ii. announcement ordered women to make Nazi flags and immediately hang them out of windows. Newspapei < menC SomeVnks lS h h ave°c?oS n<la the Stock Exchange Committee decided to suspend dealings and appealed to members to keep C A alm. were npt motor-cars and omnibuses filled with fugitives, many of whom are being turned back. A Zurich message states that the Swiss Frontier Guards have been reinforced to prevent the influx o ugi v . Hungary has closed her frontier to prevent fugitives entering, and is also strengthening her defences.