CONFERENCE WITH HITLER

Evening Star, Issue 22882, 14 February 1938, Page 11

CONFERENCE WITH HITLER

THE AUSTRIAN CHANCELLOR REGARDED AS OF MOMENTOUS IMPORTANCE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright \ VIENNA, February 12. The Chancellor of Austria (Dr Kurt Schuschnigg) and Herr von Papen left for Berchtesgaden to confer with Herr Hitler. It is rumoured that Austria is prepared to guarantee that the Hapsburgs will not be restored and will proclaim an amnesty for political offences if Herr Hitler will order the cessation of Nazi activities, and will solemnly declare in the Reichstag on February 20 that he recognises the independence and sovereignty of Austria. A message from Berlin states that the meeting between Herr Hitler and Dr Schuschnigg is regarded as being of momentous importance to AustrianGerman relations. So declared the Nazi Spokesman, but he threw no light on the nature of tho discussions. STRENGTHENING OF AGREEMENT REPORTED t FURTHER DISCUSSIONS PENDING. VIENNA, February 13. (Received February at 11 a.m.) Dr Schuschnigg has left Berchtesgaden for home. Nothing is definitely .known as to the .outcome of the discussions, but Fatherland ’Front officials have been informed that the Austrian and German agreement of 1936 was strengthened by the talk. Germany has recognised Austria’s independence. Herr Hitler and Dr Schuschnigg agreed to a nine-point programme, including the point that Germany would not support the illegal Nazi movement in Austria. Further friendly, discussions will bo forthcoming. ITALY’S FULL CONSENT WAS CONSULTED BEFORE MEETING. ROME, February 13. ' (Received February. 14, at 11 a.m.) . The Foreign Office Spokesman says that' Dr Schuschnigg’s visit was arranged with the full consent of the Italian ..Government and in accordance with the co-operation agreed upon by Italy, .Austria, and Hungary as signatories of the Rome Protocols and by the (Rome-Berlin axis. HERR VON RIBBENTROP ON COURTESY ’ ; : : ; ' ,i: ’ '■ VIENNA, February 13.’ (Received February 14, at 2 p.m.) Herr von Ribbentrop is travelling incognito in a closely-guarded, train to Rome on a courtesy visit, which was allegedly arranged nine days ago. The Austrian Spokesman says the visit is not connected with the meeting between Dr Schuschnigg and Herr Hitler.