THE AUSTRIAN ARMY

Evening Star, Issue 23130, 2 December 1938, Page 11

THE AUSTRIAN ARMY

ABSORPTION BY GERMANY The German Army is absorbing the Austrian Army with methodical thoroughness, it is revealed in authoritative information reaching here, writes David Darragh from London to the ‘ Chicago Tribune.’ The ultimate gain in armed strength will be seven infantry divisions, one armoured division, and one independent brigade. This will bring the German total to no fewer than 43 infantry divisions and four armoured divisions. In round numbers the Austrian Federal Army consisted of 60,000 regulars, 50,000 reservists, and 20,000 militia belonging to the Patriotic Front. The latter has been disbanded. It is believed the army has been converted into two corps, the 17th and the 18th, and that a new one, the 19th, is to be formed, consisting of a light division and an armoured division. The existing armoured division probably will form the nucleus, and the whole force organised as the Fifth Army Group Command. One of the problems has been the disposal of the Austrian officers. General Wilhelm Zehner, who was Secrfetary of State for Defence, is reported to have committed suicide. ■ A number of senior officers are said to have refused to take an oath of allegiance to Reichfuhrer Hitler, and have been dismissed.

The only former Austrian leader to he given a command is Field-Marshal Beyer, who now heads the 18th Corps. He was previously in command of the independent brigade of mountain troops at Salzburg, which had gained a high reputation for efficiency. Before the annexation he was InspectorGeneral of the Austrian Army.

A few staff appointments have been given to Austrians, but there has been little consideration for the Austrian General Staff as a whole. Of a total of about 1,200 officers, hardly more than 400 are being retained as combatant officers. A commission sitting in Vienna investigates the politic.il past of all serving officers, and its recommendations are final. With regard to armament, it may be oxneeted that German guns as well as rifles and machine-guns will be ad on ted, in view of the difference in calibre between German and Austrian weapons. The Austrian tanks, which are of Italian make, probably will be scrapped. The mechanical transport is excellent, and presumably will be retained. Uniforms will be entirely German.

There are a number of munitions factories which will be taken over. Several of them produce a very efficient 47mm anti-tank gun which can he added to the military gains made bv Germany as a result of the absorption of Austria.