ITALY STANDS ALOOF

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 143, 14 March 1938, Page 10

ITALY STANDS ALOOF

Not To Interfere In Austria SCHUSCHNIGG BLAMED (Received March 13, 7.30 p.m.) Rome, March 12. The first German mechanised units have arrived at the Italian frontier at Brenner Pass. The commander of the Salzburg garrison has placed himself under German orders. A communique states that/the majority of Germany troops returned to Innsbruck after two hours. Brenner Pass was left with several soldiers to carry out police duty. A Foreign Office spokesman slated that Italy does not intend to interfere in Austrian affairs, but regards the events as logical and normal. The newspapers blame Dr. yon Schuschnigg for lack of comprehension and bad faith. Vatican City, March 12.

The “Osservatore Romano” asserts that the septuagenarian Monsignor Waltz, Archbishop of Salzburg, was arrested among other prominent persons.

A special envoy arrived by air from Berlin, bringing Signor Mussolini a letter from Herr Hitler, concerning Austrian affairs.

The Fascist Grand Council met, and Signor Altieri, Press Minister, afterward told journalists that Italy for obvious reasons iiad decided not to interfere in Austrian internal affairs.

Moreover the plebiscite unexpectedly announced by Dr. von Schuschnigg was not suggested by Italy, which advised against its manner, form and subThe Council considered the events in Austria the result of the open expression of Austrian sentiment and wishes, which were shown decisively by imposing public demonstrations. The Council also noted that the Italian Goverhment rejected a French invitation for concerted action, which being without basis or aim could only make the situation more difficult. Signor Alfieri read Herr Hitler s letter to Signor Mussolini, in which he set out the reasons for sending troops into Austria. An earlier message stated: Italian political circles are bewildered at the turn of events in Austria, realising they are faced with the most serious dilemma since the Great War, but there is every’ sign that Italy has been thrown into complete inaction. Herr Hitler, states a Berlin message, interpreted Austria's recent behaviour as a gesture toward France, where the Left Wing Government could be expected to take a more active interest in the independence of Austria if the Socialists received equality rights. As this was also a threat to Italian security’, Herr Hitler assumed that Signor Mussolini would x iiot put obstacles in the way of the Reich’s decision to eradicate “Marxism.”

CZECH INTEGRITY

Talks In London And Paris

(Received March 33, 7.30 p.m.) London, March 12.

In London discussions among Britain, France and Czechoslovakia took place when M. Masaryk, the Czech Minister, called a t thb Foreign Office. The French Foreign Minister, Mr. Delbos, saw M. .Osusky, the Czech Minister, in Paris ajnd also the British Ambassador. Sir Eric Phipps.

The Paris correspondent of the British United Press 'says it is understood that M. Delbos asked Britain to join France in a declaration that she would uphold Czech integrity. A message from Prague says the Foreign Office is constantly in touch with its Ministers in London and Paris. The Austrian events have caused grave dissatisfaction in Belgrade Opposition circles, but tt.e Government is maintaining its neutral attitude. It is reported frqm Bucharest that the Rumanian frontier has been closed against Austrian refugees.

“NEXT THE COLONIES”

German Opinion In Africa (Received March 13, 7.30 p.m.) Cape Town, March 13. “Next comes the colonies” is an expression freely heard in Windhoek, the capital of South-West Africa, a former German colony, where, there is great excitement. This sums up opinion among the Germans, who regard the Austrian march as a triumph for Hery Hitler and Nazism. The English newspapers at Cape Town condemn Germany.

COURSE OF EVENTS

Germany’s Successive Ultimatums (Received March 13, 7 p.m.) London, March 11. "An official Austrian voice, speaking from the Chancellery, said that the course of the afternoon’s historic events was as follows,” states the Vienna correspondent of “The Times” : “Germany first asked for a guarantee that the voting in the plebiscite would be secret. This was conceded. The next demand was for the postponement of the plebiscite. This also was conceded Then Field-Marshal Goering transmitted orders to Dr. Inquart demanding that the Chancellor, Di. von Schuschnigg, should retire, that two-thirds of the Cabinet seats should be handed over to Nazis 'and that the Austrian Legion should be admitted to support the Austrian executive forces in maintaining order. “There is no doubt that the plebiscite would have yielded a substantial majority in favour of Dr. von Schuschnigg’s Government. This is the real reason of Nazi antagonism. “The arrangements made showed that the vole would have been perfectly fair, and if the Nazis had a majority in Austria they could have shown it at this poll. “ ‘lndependent Austria,’ as it has been understood for tile last live years, is dead. For the Nazis a day of complete triumph has come. For the Government’s supporters the events of to-day are shattering.”

SHOCK TO SWISS

(Received March 13. 7.30 p.m. i Berne, March 12.

Austria’s fate has severely shocked the Swiss, who fear that Switzerland’s military situation is worsened, as. Germany now faces her ou two frontiers.