"MOUNTAIN EXERCISES”

Evening Star, Issue 22327, 1 May 1936, Page 9

"MOUNTAIN EXERCISES”

GERMAN 1 ROOFS ON AUSTRIAN FRONTIER

NUMBERS NOT EXCESSIVE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 80. Tiie Munich correspondent of ‘The Times’ says: “German troops have been stationed for some months in several towns near the Austrian frontier, but it is emphasised that their presence is merely part of the German scheme of redistribution and reinforcement of units nft'er conscription. The numbers are not regarded as excessive, though it is admitted that the total military strength in the border area may now be greater than in pre-war days. However, this is held to be not remarkable in view of the peacetime strength of the new German army and the complete transformation of Germany’s relations with Austria and Italy. There has been no appreciable reinforcement of troops at any point of the frontier in recent weeks. The border area, it is added, is and always has been the most suitable in Germany for “mountain exercises.”

REPORTS FROM VIENNA SITUATION “ FULLY NORMAL.” VIENNA, April 30. Reports of threatening developments on the Austro-Germnn frontier are officially denied. The frontier situation is described as “ fully normal.” It is admitted that troop movements arc progressing, but these are said to be only seasonal atrd for training purposes.

RUMOUR REPUDIATED BERLIN, April 30. (Received May 1, at 1.40 p.m.) The newspapers characterise the rumours of anti-Austrian movements as an attempt to sabotage the German peace plan.

GERMANY HOPES FOR VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION

LONDON, April 30 (Received May I, at 1.20 p.m.)

The Berlin correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ states that it is most improbable that Germany at present will attempt to annex Austria or otherwise change the regime, as she hopes Austria will voluntarily join Germany, for which objective it is suggested that a plebiscite should be held. It is pointed out that Germany aims at a revision of the treaties peacefully if possible; nevertheless if other Governments attempted to intervene forcefully to defend Austria without consulting the inhabitants of that country the arguments in favour of quiet waiting might he dissipated, and Germany confront Europe with another fait accompli.

FRENCH ANXIETY LESSENED LONDON, April 30. (Received May 1, at 2 ip.m.) The Paris correspondent of ‘The Times ’ says: French anxiety lias lessened. It is believed that the Austrian Government has the situation in hand.