Ultimatum To Austria

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 5

Ultimatum To Austria

Hitler Demands New Police Appointment COUNTRY ON TENTERHOOKS United Press Association—By dec trio Telesrap n.—Copyrlznt. Received .Tuesday, 7 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 15. Austria is still on tenterhooks to know the result of the interview between Herr Hitler and Dr. von Schuschnigg, says the Vienna correspondent of The Times. The President, Herr Miklas, has not yet signed the agreement owing to strong Austrian opposition, the chief point in dispute being whether Dr. von Seyssinqart, who has been serving ns Nazi Pacification Commissioner, should be given control of the Austrian police, according to Herr Hitler’s urgent recommendation. Herr Hitler’s suggestion is regarded as tantamount ,to an ultimatum as he demanded a reply by February 16 to enable preparation of his Reichstag speech. FEAR OF BETRAYAL AUSTRIAN SOCIALIST^ VIENNA, Feb. 14, Work has been delayed at several factories owing to meetings by Socialists who ‘‘fear that the Chancellor, Dr. von Schuschnigg, is betraying them to the Nazis.” They demand an explanation of what is happening. AIR SAID TO BE CLEARED AUSTRIA’S TRUMP CARD VIENNA, Feb. 14. ' Details which are leaking out regarding the interview between the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. von Schuschnigg, and Herr Hitler are received with satisfaction. It is understood that Dr. von Schuschnigg ■presented Austria's case energetically and frankly; indeed, conversations on some points became excited, and each is believed to have said no to the other on the chief requests. Dr. von Schuschnigg unyieldingly maintained Austria's independence, but as the interview has cleared the air it is hoped it will provide a basis for a new agreement. A Cabinet re-shuffle to include Nazis now seems unlikely. Dr. von Schuschnigg had a trump card up his sleeve: he produced two compromising documents which Dr. von Papen, the German Ambassador in Austria, did not know the Austrian Government possessed. APPEAL TO MUSSOLINI MODIFICATION OF HITLER’S DEMANDS Received Tuesday, 8 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 15. It is realised that the SchuschniggHitler talk raised matters that must be settled quickly if Austro-German relations are to improve, says tho Telegraph’s Romo correspondent. It appears that Dr. Schuschnigg appealed to Mussolini to use his influence to modify Hitler’s demands, which are understood to have included the appointment of at least four Nazis to the Austrian Cabinet, which Dr. Schuschnigg refused, although he was prepared. to waive the restoration of the Hapsburgrs. It is believed that Mussolini consented to Dr. Schuschnigg’s request.