Austria as German State

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 48, 26 February 1938, Page 5

Austria as German State

Chancellor’s Policy Declaration

NO MENTION OF ITALY United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright VIENNA, Feb. 24. Proceeding between rows of members of the Fatherland Front, students, and storm troopers of the Youth Organisation, the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. von. Schuschnlgg, received the plaudits of 40,000 people when he arrived at Parliament House in order to deal Witt the Berchtesgaden conversations The cheering lasted five minutes. Inside the Chamber were the entire diplomatic corps, including Herr von Papen. Dr. von Schuschnlgg, In referring to the gravity of the occasion, declared: “Our first duty is to preserve the freedom and independence of the Austrian Fatherland. Popular Front and dictatorial constitutions are both excluded in Austria, whose constitution knows no parties. The Government unalterably adheres to the May, 1934, constitution and intends to secure peace with all countries and to extend it within Austria’s frontiers to the best of its ability. "This peace agreement, after a fiveyears’ fight, was the purpose of the Berchtesgaden meeting. The new Government is not a Popular Front tied to parties, but a single united front of all classes. Austria is a German country and stands or falls with its German mission. “The Berchtesgaden agreement,” mid Dr. von Sehusohnigg, “includes recognition of Austria’s full sovereignty and provides:— “That neither Government wi|_ Influence the other’s political structure. “That Austria will conduct her policy in accordance with her declaration that she is a German State. "The conclusion of the new agre* • ment ends a period of tension. Austri i has always recognised the politics I ideal of German State, but there must be no interference in Austrian affairs.” In referring to Austria's good reintipns with England, France and Switzerland, Dr. von Schuschnigg specifically omitted Italy. He ended by declaring: "Austria remains free, and for this we will fight to the death.” CHANCELLOR HEADS PROCESSION * Received Friday, 7 p.m. VIENNA, Feb. 25. After his speech Dr. Schuschnigg marched through the streets at the head of a procession of fifty thousand. Isolated groups of Nazis unsuccessfully tried to impede the procession.