YIELDS TO FORCE

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

YIELDS TO FORCE

Austrian Chancellor’s Farewell RESISTANCE USELESS Announcement Came As Bombshell By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Vienna, March 11. The Chancellor, Dr. Kurt von Schuschnigg, in a broadcast speech, announcer] his resignation. He added that the Austrian army was temporarily in control of the country’s destinies. He said that Germany had issued an ultimatum that if he (DrSchuschnigg) did not reseign German troops would cross the frontier. Germany had also demanded the appointment of a Chancellor acceptable to Germany. “I yield to brute force,” he said. ‘‘l must avoid bloodshed, and I have instructed our troops to recede before the German troops and await further developments. I have handed over my power to the President." Herr Zernatto, secretary-general of the Fatherland Front, in a broadcast address, stated that Herr Hitler threatened an armed invasion of Austria and that his ultimatum demanded the resignation of the Cabinet and the appointment of a Government of Herr Hitler’s choice. President Miklas then ordered Dr. .Schuschnigg to “yield to force.” The Minister of the Interior, Dr. Inquart, in a broadcast, said that the Austrian army had been instructed not to oppose German troops if they enter Austria.

He adjured the Austrians to keep the peace. “Resistance is useless," he said.

It is officially announced that the plebiscite has been postponed indefinitely. Owing to the movements of German troops on the Austrian frontier, the situation is very tense. The news of the postponement came as a bombshell to the authorities in the provincial towns, who had been resisting Nazi attempts to demonstrate. They suddenly capitulated, and the Nazis took charge of events, occupied the Graz Town Hall, and hoisted the Nazi flag. The police and troops withdrew. The text of Dr. Schuschnigg’s farewell broadcast was as follows: — “Germany sent to President Miklas an ultimatum that unless my Government fell in with the German Government’s proposals, German troops would march into Austria. “I declare before the world that all reports of workers’ unrest in Austria and of blood flowing in the streets are complete fabrications. “President Miklas has asked me to inform the Austrian people that we yield to a superior force. We have ordered the Austrian army to offer no resistance and to retire, because we do not wish to spill German blood. General Schilhavsky has been entrusted with the command of the army, and will give all the necessary orders. And so I take my farewell. God protect Austria."

Dr. Inquart, in a broadcast, said: "I am still in office as Minister of Defence and of the Interior, and I feel responsible for the maintenance of order in this country. I demand of you all to keep peace and order during the next few days. I Remind you especially that there must be no question of resistance against the German array, which is now entering the country. Keep your heads and remain calm.”