SCHUSCHNIGG BOWS TO HITLER

Grey River Argus, 14 March 1938, Page 5

SCHUSCHNIGG BOWS TO HITLER

NAZIFICATION OF AUSTRIA WELL UNDER WAY THOUSANDS OF TROOPS POUR OVER FRONTIER Hundreds of Austrian Leaders Arrested by Nazis HITLER RE-VISITS HOME FOR FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS. The plebiscite announced by Dr. Kurt Schuschnigg, the Austrian Chancellor, to have been VeVr Adolf was cancelled when the German Reich Chance lor (Herr. Ado Hitler), at the request of leading Austrian Nazis, decided to send thousands of troops into Austria. It is estimated that 100,000 German troops are now in Austria, resulting in a situation unparalleled since 1914 Dr. Schuschnigg has resigned and his Government has been replaced by a Nazi Administration. Dr. Schuschnigg is under military guard at his home in Vienna. The Austrian Fatherland Front has been dissolved. Herr Hitler has broadcast that a new plebiscite to decide on Austro-German Union, will be held in the near future. The Mayor of Vienna has'resigned, and his arrest, along with hundreds of leading citizens is reported. Britain and France addressed strong Notes to Germany, but these were ignored. . .. n In a moving forewell broadcast to the Austrian nation, Dr. Schuschnigg said: “Germany sent Dr. Miklas an ultimatum stating (hat unless my Government fell in with German Government’s proposals, German troops would march into Austria. I declared before the world that all reports o workers’ unrest in Austria and blood flowing in the streets ar complete fabrications. Dr. Miklas asked me to Austrian people that we would yield to superior force We have ordered the Austrian Army to offer no resistance and to retire, because we do not wish to spill German blood General Schilhavsky has been entrusted with the command of the Army and will give all the necessary orders. “So I take farewell. God protect Austria.

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] LONDON, March 11

The Vienna correspondent of the Exchange Telegraph Agency states that well-informed quarters state that they have been advised reliably that the first detachment of German troops have crossed the AustrianGerman frontier. "The Times” states that alter the refusal of Dr. Miklas to nominate Dr. von Inquart as the new Chancellor, the. German troops crossed the frontier at Salzburg, Kufstein and Mittenwald. shortly after 10 p.m. Herr Zernatto, Secretary-General to the Fatherland Front, in a broadcast address, stated that Herr Hitler had threatened an armed invasion of Austria. His ultimatum demanded the resignation of the Cabinet and the appointment of a Government of Herr Hitler’s choice. The President (Dr. Miklas) then ordered the Chancellor (Dr. Schuschnigg) to “yield to force.” Dr. Schuschnigg, in a broadcast address, announcing his resignation, said that the Austrian Army would temporarily control the country’s destinies. The Minister of the Interior (Dr. von. Inquart) in a broadcast said that the Austrian Army had been instructed not to oppose the German troops if they entered Austria. Dr. von Inquart adjured Austrians to keep the peace, saying “resistance is useless.” It is officially announced that the plebiscite on "a free German-Aus-tria” has been postponed indefinitely owing to the movements of German trooos on the Austrian frontier. The situation is very tense. The entire Federal Militia totalling 25,000, has been mobilised and is being despatched to the provinces.

ULTIMATUM TO CHANCELLOR

LONDON. March 11

It is confirmed that Germany issued an ultimatum that if the Chancellor of Austria (Dr. Schuschnigg) did not resign. German troops would cross the frontier. The ultimatum also demanded the appointment of a Chancellor agreeable to Germany. Dr. Schuschnigg in a broadcast said: “I yield to brute force. I must avoid bloodshed. I have instructed our troops to recede before the German troops and await further developments. I have handed over my power to the President (Dr. Miklas).” The German Government has do nied that it sent an ultimatum to Austria. It has also denied mobiliiation in Bavaria.

The Vienna correspondent of Reuter’s states that the ultimatum was presented to Dr. Schuschnigg by Herr Gauleiter Burckel, the Nazi Provincial Governor, who headed the delegation.

It is officially explained that the troop movements in Bavaria are due to the necessity of strengthening the frontier forces for the maintenance of order in view of the possibility of disturbances at the week-end. A message from Munich, however, states that although the Government admits only “insignificant troop movements,” thousands of members of the Reichswehr, with field artillery, are on the march to the frontier. Another message from Munich states that the schools have been closed and converted into reservists’ barracks.

Herr Hitler to-day presided over a two-hour conference of the Council of Foreign Affairs, The German Ambassador to Vienna (Count Von Papen) has left for Berlin in an army aeroplane - sent specially from Berlin. The official German news agency is whipping .up hostility towards Austria with the publication of reports of the arrival in Germany of the first refugees from Austria, many of whom were brutally wounded. Nazis Run Riot SCENES IN VIENNA. VIENNA. March 11. Asked whether the plebiscite would be postponed as a result of the German ultimatum, a Government spokesman replied: “I leave that to your imagination.’' The news of the postponement ol the plebiscite came-as a bombshell to the authorities in the provincial towns who had been resisting the Nazis’, attempts to demonstrate. I They suddenly capitulated and the Nazis ’ took charge of events. They occupied the Graz Town Hall, ana hoisted the Nazi flag. The police and troops withdrew.

Thousands are demonstrating in the Vienna streets, and the numbers are growing every moment. The whole city at midnight was covered with demonstrators. Serious clashes occurred in several districts. Two people were stabbed and a policeman was dragged from his horse ai*. assaulted. The police chargee

with sabres and arrested the culprit. Cars were held up, their windows smashed and their Occupants abused because they were presumed to be Jews. N?zis invaded the Jewish quarter and assaulted a number of Jews. All police reserves have been called out, and it is expected that martial law will be proclaimed to-day. Sixty lorry-loads of troops and police were sent yesterday to Styria, where the situation is regarded as very serious. BLOODSHED in VIENNA. VIENNA, March 11. _ Earlier in the day, youthful Nazis raided the Christian Hostel in Vienna and fired revolvers at the inmates, wounding two youths. Similar demonstrations occurred at Linz, where Nazi youngsters wounded eight youths at the Fatherland Front Hostel, three fatally. At Innsbruck, several hundred police armed with bayonets and sabres, are engaged in a battle with 15,000 Nazis, many wearing Storm Troopers’ uniforms, who broke through the police cordon. Barbed wire barricades have been erected in the centre of the city, and machine-guns have been placed ’in front of the Town Hall. The extent of the casualties is not yet known. All 1915 reservists have been called up to assist in keeping order on Sunday, and the police have proclaimed a ban on processions. At least 25,000 Nazis dominated Graz for six hours. They‘repeatedly broke the ranks of the police. The leave of the police and gendarmerie has been cancelled. Nazis in Graz are making bonfires of all Fatherland Front literature and parading the streets, shouting “Down with Schuschnigg ! Our Fuhrer is Hitler !”

DR. SCHUSCHNIGG REFUSES

mandate

LONDON, March 11

The Vienna correspondent of “The Times” states that by 10 p.m., the Austrian Government had entirely ceased to function, although the President (Dr. Miklas) had refused to appoint a new Chancellor and had entrusted the Schuschnigg Government with the duty of carrying on business. The Vienna correspondent of t v British United Press states that it is officially announced that Dr. Schuschnigg refused Dr. Miklas’s mandate to continue in the Chancellorship.

“Keep Your Heads”

INQUART'S ORDERS. VIENNA, March 11. Dr. von Inquart, in a broadcast, said “I still hold the officce of Minister of the Interior, and I feel responsible for the maintenance of order in this country. I demand that all of you keep peace and order during the next few days. I remind you specially, that there must be no question of resistance against the German Army now entering the country. „ Keep your heads and remain calm.”

Inquart’s Request

for GERMAN TROOPS.

(Received March 13, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 12.

Some hours before German troops crossed the Austrian frontier, it was ofiicially announced in Berlin that. Dr. Von Inquart telegraphed Herr as follows: —“Provisional* government which after the resignation of 'Di-. Schusfchnigg’s Government sees its task in the restoration of peace and order in Austria, addresses to the German Government an urgent, request to support it in its task and help it preventing bloodshed. For this purpose, it asks for the despatched German troops as early as possible. BERLIN, March 12..

Herr Hitler’s decision to place the help of the Reich at the disposal of the new Austrian Government was announced in a proclamation by the Fuhrer, broadcast by Dr. Goebbels. He said that the German armed forces will guarantee the Austrian people that, it will soon give them the opportunity to mould their future fate through a genuine plebiscite. He added that the Reich would, not permit Germans to be persecuted, and wants order and peace. “I have therefore decided to grant assistance, so I have despatched our troops. The world must be convinced that Germans in Austria are going through a period of joy and blissful emotion as they consider the brethern who came to their rescue as saviours in a time of most dire distress. x Dr. Goebbels, in an audience to the press, denied that Dr. Von Tnquart I telegraphed asking for help.

Nazi Plebiscite

PROMISED BY HITLER. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 13, 9.30 p.m.) LINZ, March 13.3 Herr Hitler broadcasting, declared his intention of holding a plebiscite on the question of Austrian-German union, shortly, “when I hope that my

home province will show the world that German unity cannot be dissolved.”

(Received March 13, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, March 12,

The Vienna correspondent of the British United Press says that Herr Hitler, in the near future, as the result of a ’Nazi plebiscite, will become Fuhrer of Greater Germany, or of two different German States.

Already the Viennese radio stations are emanating Nazi programmes. All Jewish performers have been banned throuhgout the country.

Reports tell of the Nazis displacing Provincial Governors and Mayors, some of whom have been placed under arrest in a house.

All youth organisations have been ordered to parade in the capital tonight with marching kits and rations. Herr Schmitz, the Mayor of Vienna, has been reported arrested.

German Troops

TAKE FULL CHARGE.

JEW BAITING STARTS

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.J (Received March 13, 7.55 p.m.) LONDON, March 13.

It is believed that between 60,000 and 100,000 German troops under the command of General Von Reighenau, entered Austria, occupying all of the important centres. Austrian and German troops are fraternising everywhere. A huge torchlight procession was held in Vienna in the evening when men and women waved swastika flags and paraded before Dr. Van Inquart and members of the Cabinet.

The city generally is a blaze of light ,only the Jewish quarter being darkened.

There the deepest depression prevails, after a day largely spent in the synagogues, in accordance with Jewish leaders’ plea for community prayers.

HITLER LEAVES BERLIN.

(Received March 13, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 12.

The latest developments are that Herr Hitler, after leaving for Austria, left Field Marshal Goering in charge at Berlin; assisted by Dr. Goebbels. The German Chief of Police, Herr Himmler, arrived at Vienna at five a.m., accompanied by high officials. Crowds besieged the banks in the Jewish districts, and endeavoured to withdraw their deposits. A broadcast announced that the property of the Fatherland Front militia had been handed over to the Nazis.

The Nazis smashed the doors of the Catholic Federation, and occupied the building. Thirty monuments to Dr. Dollfuss throughout Styria, were destroyed.

It appears in Berlin, that Dr, Goebbels admitted that Dr. Von Inquart telegraphed asking for help. Germany is celebrating the Austrian triumph with nrocessions and numerous dinners.

Hitler at Linz

TRIUMPHAL PROGRESS

[Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 13, 8.55 p.m.) LONDON, March 13.

A message from Linz states that Herr Hitler, entering Austria for the first time in a quarter of a century, made triumphant progress throughout sixty miles of Northern At his birthplace, Braunau, he was greeted by 20,000, amid the pealing of church bells.

The crowds were so great* at many places, that his car was forced to a walking pace. He was received at Linz by Dr. Von Inquart, who, in introducing him, announced: “We declare Article Eighty of the Peace Treaty no longer valid;” the reference being to the Article of the Versailles Treaty, providing that Germany will acknowledge and strictly respect Austrian Independence.

To Love Hitler !

INJUNCTION TO AUSTRIANS

(Received March 13, 7.45 p.m.) VIENNA, March 12.

Herr Klausner (the new Minister for Moulding Political Will), broadcasting, said: “Austria is a free Austria. The Nazi Government’s first task will be to find work and bread for all Austrians. In this hour I ask you to think lovingly of our leader, Hitler, whose flag now flies over his homeland. One people ! One Reich ! One leader ! Heil Hitler !”

, Immediately it was announced bj' radio, that President Miklas had entrusted Dr. Von Inquart with the leadership of the Government, the Horst-Wessel song was .played, and repeated at intervals. Hundreds of '.important Government oflicials throughout Austria have resigned, including Herr Schmitz, the Mayor of Vienna. It is stated that the police who are occupying the Government buildings, arrested a number of members of the Fatherland Front.

German tanks, in advance of troops, arrived in Vienna.

Some banks are closed. The Stock Exchange committee decided to suspend dealings, and appealed to members to keep calm, declaring that values were not endangered. Dr. Von Inquart issued a decree for the immediate dissolution of the Patriotic Front and closed down a number of newspapers.

HITLER REPLACES DOLLFUSS.

Dollfuss Square has been renamed “Adolf Hitler Platz”,

Many Fatherland Front members have been arrested, ihcluding the distinguished press chief, Colonel Adam. Dr. Kurt Schuschnigg is confined to his home under guard. Heir Hitler has arrived at Linz, preceded by several columns of armoured cars, tank regiments and members of the German General Staff. The Commander-in-Chief of the Tank Corp was welcomed in the City Square by members of the Austrian General Stag.

The Square was lined with tens of thousands of troops standing shoulder

to shoulder, absolutely keeping out the crowds whom the newly-appoint-ed Mayor addressed, recalling his school days with Herr Hitler. The newspapers commenced antiJewish propaganda.

Nazi Cabinet

THE NEW MINISTERS. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l - LONDON, March 11. The following Cabinet was announced in a broadcast: — Chancellor and Minister of Defence --Dr. von Inquart. Vice-Chancellor —Herr Vonglaisse Horstenau. Minister of Foreign Affairs —Dr. Wilhelm Wolff.

Minister of Justice—Herr Frankhueber (Field-Marshal Goering’s bro-ther-in-law).

Minister of Social Welfare —Herr Hugo Jury. Minister of Finance —Dr. Rudolf Neumayer (re-appointed). Minister of Agriculture—Herr Reinthaler.

Minister of Trade —Herr Fischboeck.

Secretary of State —Herr Skubel, a former police chief. Minister for Moulding'Political Will —Herr Klausner.

Minister of Education—Herr Menghin.

Radio’s Big Part

FAREWELLS AND WARNINGS.

LONDON, March 11.

After a day of indescribable, nervous tension, Dr. Schuschnigg’s Austria collapsed to-night under Germany’s ruthless threat of force. A broadcast announcement stated: “Under pressure of circumstances and in order to maintain order, peace and quiet, the President (Dr. Miklas) has entrusted Dr. von Inquart with the leadership of the Government.” The German troops had already been mobilised on the frontier when Dr. Schuschnigg received Herr Hitler’s ultimatum demanding a postponement of the plebiscite. Dr. Schuschnigg agreed on condition that the Nazis in future refrained from disturbing order in Austria, but this was not enough to satisfy Herr Hitler, whose reply was to demand Dr. Schuschnigg’s resignation. Herr Hitler also demanded that two-thirds of the Cabinet should be handed over to the Nazis and that the Nazis throughout Austria should haj’e unrestricted liberty. Hours of breathless uncertainty followed, while a mass of conflicting reports sped across Europe. The evening brought the sensational announcement that the plebiscite had been postponed, but a more dramatic moment was still to come. Soon after 7.30 p.m., which was the time limit for the ultimatum, Dr. Schuschnigg, without preliminary warning addressed the nation by radio, announcing his submission to force and his resignation. Immediately after Dr. Schuschnigg’s announcement, the Nazis, who had been told that Herr Hitler would not allow the referendum, and If necessary would march in to prevent it, swarmed into the streets in thousands and took possession of the city. The next big event came at 8.15 p.m., when Dr. von Inquart announced by radio that the German Army was on its way to Vienna.

FATHERLAND FRONT DISSOLVED.

PRESS UNDER NAZI CONTROL.

(Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Received March 12, 7.30 p.m.) VIENNA, March 12.

The Nazis have taken over the Austrian Press Bureau, and Germans are supplanting the Austrian staff.

It is officially announced that the Austrian Fatherland Front has been dissolved.

German aeroplanes are showering the capital with leaflets, stating “Nazi Germany greets its Nazi Austria, and the new Nazi Government in a faithful and indissoluble union.”

TROOPS AT INNSBRUCK.

VIENNA, March 12.

German troops arrived at Innsbruck accompanied by a section z of ( the Austrian Legion. It is one of Herr Hitler’s rigid requirements that these Legionaries, numbering 30,000, since drilled in Germany on intense Nazi lines, should return to keep order in Vienna. Other columns are advancing via Kufstein and Scharding. Houses along the routes are all decorated with Swastikas.

The troops claim that they were warmly welcomed by the Populace troops, who are still pouring across the frontier.

Nazi Fugitives

30,000 RETURN TO AUSTRIA,

LONDON. March 12.

German troops are marching on Innsbruck, accompanied by members of the Austrian Legion, consisting of fugitives after the abortive Nazi rising in 1934, since when they had been receiving military training in Germany.

Hungary has closed her frontier to prevent fugitives entering, and is also strengthening her defences.

CONSUL RESIGNS.

(Received March 13, 7.15 p.m.)

VALPARAISO (Chile), March 12.

Herr Erich Kovaks, the Austrian Consul-General, has resigned because he is opposed to the Nazis.

ARCHBISHOP OF SALZBURG

ARRESTED.

(Received March 13, 8.30 p.m.) VATICAN CITY, March 12. The Vatican organ, “Observatore Romano,” asserts that the Septuagenarian, Monsignor Waitz, Archbishop of Salzburg, has been arrested among other prominent persons.

THOUSANDS OF REFUGEES.

(Received March 13, 8.30 p.m.) , PRAGUE, March 12. Trains packed with Austrian refugees are running hours late. Roads are blocked with motor-cars and omnibuses filled with fugitives, many of whom are being turned back.

TROOPS AT ITALIAN FRONTIER.

radio announcement ordered all

women to make Nazi flags and immediately to hang them out of windows.

The first German mechanised units have arrived at tne Italian frontier at Bremner Pass. The Commander of tne Salzburg Garrison has placed himself under German orders. ARCHDUKE OTTO UPSET. (Received March 13, 9 p.m.) BRUSSELS, March 12. The Bourse was not opened to-day. Archduke Otto, the Austrian claimant, is most depressed as he realises that his hopes of returning tn Austria are closed. ITALY INFORMED, .. ROME, March 12. A special envoy arrived by air from Berlin, bringing Signor Mussolini a letter from Herr Hitler concerning Austrian affairs.

ITALY STAYS NEUTRAL!

ROME, March 12.

A communique states that the majority of the German troops returned to Innsbruck after two hours. Bremner Pass is left with several soldiers to carry out police duty. The Foreign Office spokesman stated that Italy does not intend to interfere in Austrian affairs, but regards the events as logical and normal. The newspapers blame Dr. Schuschnigg for lack of comprehension, and bad faith.

FASCIST GRAND COUNCIL

ROME, March 13.

The Fascist Grand Council met and Signor Alfieri, the Press Minister afterwards told journalists that Italy, “for obvious reasons,” had aeeided not to interfere in Austrian internal affairs.

Moreover, the plebiscite unexpectedly announced by Dr. Schuschnigg, was not suggested by Italy, which advised against its manner, form, and substance.

The Council considered that events in Austria will result in an open expression of Austrian sentiment . and wishes, which are shown decisively by the imposing public demonstrations.

The Council also noted that the Italian Government had rejected a French invitation for concerted action which, being without basis or aim, only make the situation more difficult.

Signor Alfieri read Herr Hitler's letter to Signor Mussolini, in which he set out his reasons for sending troops into Austria.