Hitler May March Info Liechtenstein

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 159, 8 July 1938, Page 5

Hitler May March Info Liechtenstein

Rumours Perturb France and Switzerland TROOPS REPORTED MOVING United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph. —Copy rij?h t. LONDON, July 0. France and Switzerland are ve* v perturbed over rumours that German., is preparing to occupy Liechtenstein, the small independent principality extending along the right bank of the Rhine anu bounded by the Swiss provinces of St. Gall and Grisons and the Austrian province of Vorarlberg. The Paris newspaper Figaro reports that Switzerland is rushing troops to the Liechtenstein frontier. The National Zeitung of Basle declares ihat German troop movements have been noticed near the frontier. “Immediately the troops enter Liechtenstein the one-man army will surrender, enabling absorption similar to that Cx Austria, the newspaper says. The Official News Agency at Berim say s that the reports of Germany's intended occupation of Liechtenstein have been circulated with the evident intention of disturbing the calm polltica. atmosphere and of reviving nervousness Liechtenstein is about 15 miles bj six miles wide. Vaduz, which has a population of 1100, is the capital. The principality takes Its name from the family of Liechtenstein, one of the oldest in Austria and long seated at Modling, near Vienna. In 1852 it was divided into two branches, one of which died out in 1712. The remaining branch acquired, in 1(599 and 1713, the control of Vaduz and the lordship of Schellenberg, purchasing these lands from the Count of Hohenems. Thereupon they made this region, and not Austria, their home. Their head was made a prince of the empire in 1719, and the principality over which he ruled was thenceforward known as Liechtenstein.

It was an independent State from 1806-15, when it joined the German Confederation. It became in 1866 again a sovereign State, although it still belonged to the Austrian Customs Union and maintained relations with Austria. Ic is governed by a diet of 15 members, three of whom are nominated by the prince, the other 12 being elected by universal adult sGSfrage. The Great War severed Liechtenstein’s connection with Austria, but in 1920 steps were taken to join the Swiss Customs Union. The population, mainly Germanspeaking and Roman Catholic, is 10.000. GERMANY TAKES OVER FRENCH AREA 1000 ACRES ON RIGHT BANK OF RHINE PARIS, July 6. Germany lias aunouneed that sho is taking over 1000 acres at Rhinau, on the right bank of tho Rhine, to which, the Frenc title was confirmed at the Versailles Conference and also under a special arrangement in 1925. The Mayor of Rhinau refused to attend a meeting called by the German Army representative. SETBACK FOR GERMANY ECONOMIC PENETRATION OF BALKANS CHECKED LONDON, July 6. Germany is becoming more apprehensive lest her economic penetration of the Balkans is checked, according to the Daily Telegraph’s Berlin correspondent. Trade papers complain of rumours that England desires to enrol Greece in a “trade front” against Germany, and also point out that Rumania is tending to turn from trading with Germany in order to curry favour with the western Powers.