Rome Approves

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 42, 19 February 1938, Page 7

Rome Approves

Austria’s Link With Germany

IMPORTANCE TO CENTRAL EUROPEAN PEACE United Press Association—By mectrfo Telegraph.—CoDVrieht. ROME, Feb. 17. An official statement declares that th Austrian events have offered a certaii part of the International Press occasioj for absurd comments on Italy’s attitude and on the consequences for the politi cal situation in Europe. Responsible Italian circles regard thi decision of Dr. von Schuschnigg as i natural development in Austro-Germaj relations as laid down in the agreemen of July 1936, on the basis of mutua and sincere collaboration, which is re garded with open favour by the Italiai Government and heralds the beginnini of a new era in the pacification of twi peoples profoundly linked by race language and common culture. “It is absurd to imagine, as do certaij French circles, that Austrian independ ence will have a permanent anti-Ger man character,” the statement adds.

“It is Italy’s merit that she fullj understood the meaning of the 1936 ac cord, which precisely stated that Aus tria is a German State and whicj should logically lead to an understand* ing between Austria and Germany. “The Fascist Government has alwayi considered that cordial collaboration between the two German States sponds to reality and is essential in thi interests of peace and tranquility h* Central Europe. “Italy supports in full the Austro. German agreement and recognises Di von Schuschnigg’s courageous work which will earn him the sympathy ci all favouring a policy of understanding and peace.”

The British United Press correspondent at Vienna says that reports receivj ed in diplomatic circles from Berlic states that the new Austrian Horn* Minister’s, Dr. Inquart’s, offer of addi* tional concessions has been accepted bj Herr Hitler. A settlement of the crisii seems assured. The price is tantamount to Austria’s complete surrender. The British Foreign Secretary, Ml Anthony Eden, received the Ambassador. *

A report that Dr. von Schuschnigg asked whether military assistance would be forthcoming in the event of non-compliance with Herr Hitler’s demand is denied at Whitehall. Dr. von Schnsehnigg informed Britain of his meeting with Herr Hitler but did not indicate its purpose. Official circles in Britain were completely surprised at the results. A Berlin message says: Following his meeting with Herr Hitler, Dr. Inquart had a long conversation with Herr Heinrich Himmler, Reich Leader. One of the earliest steps towards the Naziflcation of Austria is expected to be the incorporation of the illegal Storm Troops within the Austrian Patriotic Front. Vienna reports: It is believed that Herr Hitler insists on the dismissal ol Dr. Kienbock, Governor of the Austrian National Bank, who opposed Austria’s participation in Germany’s four-year plan. AUSTRIAN DESPAIR SIGNIFICANCE OF HITLER’S MOVES TO BRITAIN LONDON, Feb. 17. The Daily Telegraph’s Vienna correspondent says that patriotic Austrians, realising what they have lost as a result of the meeting between Herr Hitler and Dr von Schuschnigg at Berchtesgaden. are rallying to prevent extension of the diplomatic defeat to loss of their campaign. They criticise Dr. van Schuschnigg for accepting Herr Hitler’s invitation, but largely blame Herr von Papen. Many temporary strikes marked Austria’s protest against the admission of Nazis to the Government. Workers and peasants support this attitude. Dr. von Schuschnigg’s supporters find no comfort in Mr. Eden’s answer in the House of Commons yesterday. They say: “We are lost if England and France are indifferent. Germany is swallowing our country. We cannot believe that merely in the interests of peace, they will let Germany receive the enormous accession of strength Austria could give her. This would seal the fate of Czechoslovakia, after which would come Hungary. “Surely Britain must appreciate the significance of Germany’s financing the Rumanian Guards, of her tying Yugoslavia constantly closer to herself, and of her support of the accession to power of General Methxas? Bulgaria has lona been tied to Germany.” . PRESS OPINIONS “NAZIS CANNOT GAIN STRONG HOLD IN AUSTRIA” LONDON, Feb. 17. Opinions of the London Press concerning the Austro-German agreement vary. The Daily Mail regards the agreement as ending friction, and says that Europe now breathes more freely. The Daily Telegraph sees in Herr Hitler’s action the old method of the mailed fist. “The agreement can only be judged by what it contributes to the stability of Central Europe,” says The Times. “No treaty could ever take Austria permanently from the Getman orbit. No-one but a fanatic will be persuaded that Nazism as practised in Germany can ever spontaneously take strong roots in Austrian soil or that Austria could ever become partner in a system not her own. While it would be hard, therefore, to prophesy finality for the latest compromise, too little may easily be allowed for the strength of natural resistance, now and in the future, of ideals and passions forced upon an unwilling people.* * t TOSCANINI ANGRY MAESTRO WITHDRAWS FROM THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL NEW YORK, Feb. 17. Arturo Toscanini, the world-famous conductor, who is a known foe of Nazism, announced due to the

recent developments in Austria, he was withdrawing from the annual Salzburg music festival and was changing the beneficiary of the New York concert which he originally planned to aid the Salzburg Fsetspielhaus (festival theatre). It was revealed that Signor Toscanini received the news of the reshuffle of Dr. von Schuschnigg’s Government under Nazi pressure with great pertubation and conferred with friends and associates before the announcement of his decision. Salzburg was the birthplace of Mozart and music festivals are held tnere every year. Until now Signor Toscanini has always been one of the most ardent supporters of th 9 festival. STORMY INTERVIEW SCHUSCHNIGG WAS SHOWN GUNS ON FRONTIER LONDON, Feb. 17. The Australian Associated Press says that an authentic account of the interview between Herr Hitler and Dr. von Schuschnigg reveal s that Herr Hitler shouted and gesticulated, terrifying Dr. von Schuschnigg, who every few minutes was confronted by German generals thrusting maps on a table showing where guns were placed on the Austrian frontier. POLITICAL PRISONERS RELEASED VIENNA, Feb. 17. Five hundred and ten political prisoners have been released. Each has signed a statement promising not to indulge in terrorism. BRITISH ADVICE WAS NOT SOUGHT MR EDEN DISCUSSES AUTRIAN DEVELOPMENTS (British Official Wireless) in the House of Commons regarding the Austrian-German agreement the Foreign Secretary. Mr Anthony Eden, said he hoped to be in a position to make a statement at an early date—perhaps to-morrow. He added that the British Minister at Vienna was informed of tho proposed meeting between Herr Hitler and Dr. von Schuschnigg on the eve of the meeting itself, but the views or advice of Britain were not invited in connection with the meeting. So far as Britain was concerned, it had been and still was prepared for consultation about the integrity and independence of Austria as provided for at the Stresa Conference. He also said that Britain had the friendliest of feelings towards Czechoslovakia and was fully aware of the treaties which bound Czechoslovakia to the other Great

Powers. He admitted there was the aspect of League of Nations duties and responsibilities in respect of Austrian independence, and added, having regard to the particular circumstances of the Stresa declaration, that the British Government. while willing to act with others, did not think it laid with it to take the initiative.

Mr. Eden said that he was in consul* lattpn with Fran***-