AUSTRIA DECLARED GERMAN STATE Goering Tells Why Troops Were Dispatched

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 62, 15 March 1938, Page 7

AUSTRIA DECLARED GERMAN STATE

Goering Tells Why Troops Were Dispatched

CIVIL WAR THREATENED VIENNA, March 13. It is officially stated that a plebiscite on reunion with Germany will be helc on April 10. Men and women over 2C years of age will be able to vote. It is also announced that Austria has become a State of the German Reich. It is believed that a plebiscite will also be held in Germany, “Germany indignantly rejects the lies told about the recent events," declared Marshal Goering when speaking at Berlin. He added: “The statesmen of the world must realise that they have been misled by a small clique regarding the feelings of the Austrian people. Herr Hitler made minimum demands x o restore peace, but Dr. von Schuschnigg broke ais word. The German people in Austria drove their tormentors away and in ;he climax of their distress asked for help from their German brothers. Therefore, units from the German Army were sent to Austria. They did not go as conquerors, but were welcomed as Brothers. “Germany would not interfere with the domestic affairs of other countries but insists on regarding herself as the protector of Germans in other coun tries. He who attacks Germany is faced with German guns. “Civil war was threatened if Dr. Inquart had not called for German troops.” Marshal Goering stressed Germany’s :omradely friendliness with Italy. “The Duce’s chivalrous behaviour and understanding will RCY— ha forgotten," he said.