AUSTRIAN PACT

Evening Post, Issue 12, 14 July 1936, Page 9

AUSTRIAN PACT

WHITEHALL SCEPTICAL

SCHUSCHNIGG'S HOPE

REMOVAL OF A DANGER

United I'rcss Association —By Elcclrlc Tele-

graph—Copyright. (Received July 14, noon.)

LONDON, July 13.

1 he "Morning Post's" diplomatic writer says that considerable scepticism is felt at Whitehall concerning the permanence of the Austro-German agreement, which is considered to be a truce rather than a genuine agreement. Few imagine that the agitation for an anschluss will not be resumed as soon as it suits the German/book. This fear is shared in Paris, where the Press forecasts that Austria will soon be at die mercy of the Reich. Austria and Germany have formed a joint committee to operate the new agreement, ENTENTE AGAINST LEAGUE? In the meantime Signor Virginio Gayda, the Italian lublicist, hints in the "Giornale d'ltalia" that Signor Mussolini may announce the' formation of an entente against the League, which, however, Signor Gayda asserts, must not be regarded as a four-Power bloc, in as much as Italy does not seek division. Signor Mussolini demands that Germany be invited to the Locarno Conference, which Italy will attend if this condition is observed and the Mediterranean guarantees are Meanwhile it is understood that all units of the British Home Fleet stationed at Gibraltar are to sail for home on July 17. Hundreds of Nazis have been released in Austria under an amnesty. The total liberations are expected to reach a thousand. AUSTRIAN INDEPENDENCE OF POLICY. Mr. G. Ward Price, on behalf of the "Daily: Mail," had a special interview with the Austrian Chancellor (Dr. Schuschnigg), who said he hoped Britain would approve the arrangement, because it removed the danger of German interference in Austrian politics. "The question of restoration of the Habsburgs," he said, "is not affected. That is one of the matters Germany has promised not to interfere in. Nevertheless, the opposition of other countries is so strong that it is at present inopportune to consider it. We shall begin immediately negotiations for trade agreements 'with Germany. We intend to remain in the League, and our foreign policy will remain independent of Germany. . HITLER AND BILATERAL TREATIES. ; Dr. yon Papen, German Ambassador at Vienna, told Mr. Ward Price that Herr Hitler does not think much of collective security and has just given the world further proof that bilateral treaties are the most efficient method at bringing disputes to an honest and peaceful end. Mr. Ward Price also interviewed Austrian Nazi leaders, and found that there is bitterness at what they consider a betrayal. They declare that the hands of Herr Hitler and Dr. Schuschnigg have met across the corpses of martyrs to the Nazi ideal. The "Daily Mail" says that the City views favourably the Austro-German pact, which has already resulted in a marking up of German and Austrian bonds, and an improvement in British Government securities. The general feeling in the City is that the peaceful settlement removes another cause of friction- in European affairs which will be beneficial both politically and commercially. VARYING REACTIONS. The "Daily Mail's" Rome correspondent says that Italy hails the agreement as a further triumph for Signor Mussolini's foreign policy, enormously strengthening Italy's international situation, rendering her independent of British and French help, and foreshadowing a new European alignment. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" says that the agreement has been received, with the . calm that France habitually reserves for an emergency. It is felt that the new pact could not be better as a solvent of the bitter feelings marking Germany's eftorts to break down Austrian independence, but, as the removal of an obstacle to the harmony of the two dictators, it could not be worse. The possibility of a Mittel Europa (Middle Europe) under C/jrman. hegemony has become painfully apparent to France. The "Manchester Guardian's" Warsaw correspondent • says that the pact is regarded as greatly inconvenient for Poland. It is considered that it will again direct Herr Hitler's aspiration towards Eastern Europe. The Berlin correspondent of "The Times" says 'that the agreement is prima facie a success for Austria.- It covers all she wanted but despaired of obtaining. She can feel gratified by the Reich's admission that an independent German State can exist without being Nazi. BRITISH PRESS FAVOURABLE. Newspapers generally welcome the agreement. The "Daily Telegraph," editorially., says: "There is no reason to doubt the good faith of either Herr Hitler or Dr. Schuschnigg. If the German pledge is faithfully observed there is no need for protection by Italy in shining armour."

"The Times" congratulates Herr Hitler in bringing off another stroke of policy, whatever its immediate motive or ultimate intention, as the agreement must help to stabilise arid pacify Central Europe, improve economic conditions, and pave the way for a permanent settlement between the main branches of the German race.

The "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent says: "The conclusion of the agreement came more rapidly than was expected, because small States, including Austria, who formerly relied implicitly on the League, are now anxiously seeking new guarantees. Balkan States are actively searching for similar aixangements plus positive assurances from their patrons among the big Powers."

The "Daily Herald," in a leader, while reserving judgment, sees no immediate threat to European tranquillity.