HERR HITLER’S DEMANDS

Evening Star, Issue 22890, 23 February 1938, Page 11

HERR HITLER’S DEMANDS

AMERICAN REACTION TO EUROPEAN AFFAIRS “ WE SHOULD MIND OUR OWN BUSINESS " NEW YORK, February 21. The Washington correspondent of the New York ‘Times’ says: “While a dozen high officials of the State Department spent the day reading and evaluating reports of the exciting week-end l in London and Berlin, Mr Cordell Hull laid down a no-comment stipulation extending even to an exchange of private opinions between aides and outsiders. Tho Congress, advocates of isolation cited the developments to support the contention that the United States should keep her hands entirely out of European affairs.” Senator Borah is hopeful in so far ns the outlook for peace is concerned. He expressed the opinion that Herr Hitler’s demands would not lead to war and that Germany would regain her colonies, to which she believes she is entitled. Mr Hull had the usual conference with the Press, but he was obviously nervous lest even a disinclination to comment on the situation might lead to speculative reports in the Press. Ho is not yet- in a position either tp comment or decline to comment on Herr Hitler or Mr Eden. Thus this is, perhaps,/ the only major capital in tho world' failing to indicate official reactions. It is evident that the State Department is disturbed, not necessarily because it officially favours either side in the struggle for predominance in Europe, but because speeches and actions creating uncertainty abroad are always looked on as potential threats to security in a delicately balanced political world. No attempt is being made to evaluate at present the potential effect of Herr Hitler’s speech. There is evident a determination to wait passively and observe results. The isolationists have been further checkmated, since Mr Chamberlain’s courting of friendly contact with Italy and Germany removes much ground for suspicion that Britain was attempting to establish an anti-dictator bloc, consisting of France, Britain, and the United l States. - The only possible threat at the moment to American interests concerns the British, and American tradq treaty. The threat is minimised, however, since the negotiations have been taken over personally by Mr Chamberlain. The plans are expected to go forward unhindered. ■ Congressional comment is sparse, but those few who did answer questions chorused: “We should mind our own business.’l ■- ... . • i' CZECHOSLOVAKIA'S POSITION NO MOVE BY BRITAIN. LONDON,, February 22. (Received February 23, at 8 a.m.) , Sir John Simon, replying to questions, said that Britain had not approached France, Russia, or the League concerning the possibility of joint action regarding Czechoslovakia. DEMONSTRATION IN GRAZ GRAZ, February 22. (Received February 23, at 8 a.m.) Thousands of ; Nazis assembled in the main square and prevented the Fatherland Front from making a 'coun-ter-demonstration. ■ r ' CLASHES WITH STUDENTS • UNIVERSITY CLOSED. VIENNA, February" 22. (Received February'23, at 11, a.m.) The police closed the university after Dr Schuschnigg’s student supporters had occupied the university hall and clashes occurred on the steps of the building. APPEAL FOR ORDER DR INQUART ADDRESSES AUSTRIAN NAZIS. VIENNA, February 22. (Received February 23, at 11 a.m.) Dr Inquart, in a broadcast appeal for the maintenance of order and discipline, . issued an injunction that Ausr trian Nazis must gain their ends by peaceful penetration. He also forbade the use of the Reich flag for purposes of demonstration, also the use of “ Heil, Hitler!” and the singing of Nazi songs.