REICH CONDEMNED

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

REICH CONDEMNED

Public Opinion In Britain ACID PRESS COMMENT Anxiety And Indignation Expressed I (British Official Wireless.) (Received March 13, 7.30 p.m.) Rugby, March 12. Public opiilion as expressed in the British Press outspokenly condemns the German invasion, which the "Evening Standard” describes as an act of barbarism. lu view of recent German protests regarding misrepresentation by the foreign Press of events in Germany, several newspapers comment acidly on the complete distortion of yesterday’s events which has been presented •to the German people—through the German newspapers. The British newspapers also reflect the gravest anxiety and indignation. “The Times,” under the heading, “Blow to Europe,” says that by an open exhibition of overbearing force Germany has compelled the surrender and overthrow of Dr. von Schusehnigg’s Government. “The pretexts offered for this display of precipitate force,” adds “The Times,” “make the ease no better. A request for guarantees of impartiality in holding an Austrian plebiscite might have been defensible, but it is evident that Germany feared the result of the very referendum which the Nazis in Austria and in the Reich itself have long been demanding and for which the Austrian constitution provides ” Referring to the wholesale distortion by the German Press, "TinTimes” says: “This latest and woi-t demonstration of the methods of Ger man foreign policy can only deepen n Britain the suspicions and inrtigmi< aroused by the manner in which lmBerchtesgaden agreement was iie.-.0-tinted tinted and it deals a blow to the policy of appeasement.”

The “Manchester Guardian,” under the heading, “The Naked Fist,” says: “Herr Hitler’s action in Austria has one virtue—it is clear. No propaganda can disguise and no ignorance fail to ■understand so unconcealed a threat of armed force. This, as many have long realised, is the only foreign policy known to the present German Government.” The paper adds: “We see ourselves faced with a great Power whose open intention it is to bully the smaller Countries around her into submission. Arrogant, intolerant, formidable —it is so that the new Germany presents herself.”