FATEFUL HOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22998, 28 March 1938, Page 9

FATEFUL HOUR

GERMAN_UNITY HITLER'S SPEECH ATTACK UPON LEAGUE PITILESS OPPRESSION "SAVING" OF AUSTBIA By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received March 27, 5.5 p.m.) BERLIN, March 20 "We belong to a German people united by blood, and there has come an hour when a decision must be made before one's people and before God," said Herr Hitler at the opening of the election and Austrian plebiscite campaign at Koenigsburg. Herr Hitler again attacked the League of Nations, the Peace Treaty, and Dr. Schuschnigg. Twenty special trains brought a hugs audience from East Prussia.

The Fuehrer's speech was frequently interrupted for a few minutes by shouts of "Sieg Heil." Eight squadrons of the Air Force flew overhead and the Army and Air Force mounted guards of honour.

Commenting on .Austrian independence, Horr FTitler asked: "What independence. can be enjoyed by 6,500.000 people? What kind of sovereignty is it that depends on foreign countries? What is the meaning of sovereignty which pushes people to violence?" Lack of Territory

The foreign world had not given Austria superficial sovereignty from love of the German people living there, nor had they forbidden the ansehluss (union) as a favour to the Austrians, but for their own interests. The ansehluss was forbidden in order to keep Germany weak, torn and helpless. Austria had been doomed to economic destruction, but would now be saved as Germany had been saved, but where the economic opportunity was small the whole power of the nation must be bent to the task.

"Already we suffer from the fact that our territory in the world is so small," said Horr Hitler. "We lack supplementary colonies."

The Fuehrer added that the National Socialist idea was the expression of the common desire of the Austrian people as they had looked longingly across the German border. This idea went far beyond the borders of a little Germany.

Oppression of Nation "We do not make proselytes of other nations," declared Herr Hitler, "but nobody can prevent the National Socialist teaching from becoming a political creed for every German." Since the League of Nations was founded to serve the interests of the peoples of the world there had been more shameless oppression than ever hefore. Out of the kindness of their hearts the nations had torn Germany apart and countenanced oppression without pitv. Since the National Socialist movement set itself to gain power by legal' means, the guardians of tyranny had abandoned legal methods and established naked tyranny. The democratic rulers of Austria had not for years dared to appeal to the people. Finally J)r. Schuschnigg came to power and took from the people the last chance of expression of their opinion.

Warning to Dr. Schuschnigg "I warned Dr. Schuschnigg such a state of affairs could not last. I pointed out that Austria was also my home, and I offered to stand as a candidate against him in an open election. I urged Dr. Schuschnigg to seek some peaceful settlement, but he did not take me seriously and broke his agreement." Herr Hitler added that he was convinced Dr. Schuschnigg's policy was designed to gain time until the foreign political situation was more favourable and he could mobilise foreign power against Germany. Had Dr. Schuschnigg won the falsified plebiscite the world would have declared his regime legalised. "But the people were rising against their tormentor, and I was bound to step in on their behalf." Herr Hitler said. "When I cast my vote on April 10 I shall know that behind me come 50,000,000 people with one motto —One people and one Reich, Germany I"

AUSTRIAN PLEBISCITE QUESTION FOR VOTERS VIENNA, March '25 The plebiscite voting paper asks the question: "Do you agree to the reunion of Austria and Germany as carried out on March 13? Give your vote for our Fuehrer, Herr Hitler." A circle surmounted by the word "Yes" is in the largest type on the card.. To the right of it is a smaller circle surmounted by the word "No." Mr. G. 10. IL Gedye, tbe Vienna correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, who received an expulsion order on March 19, which was countermanded two days later, has been again ordered to leave the country.