“I ONLY WANTED PEACE”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22326, 28 July 1934, Page 13

“I ONLY WANTED PEACE”

DR DOLLFUSS’S LAST WORDS NO MEDICAL OR SPIRITUAL AID PLEADINGS IGNORED BY ASSASSINS THE CHANCELLERY IN DISORDER (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph l —Copyright.)

VIENNA, July 26, The police on duty at the Chancellery yesterday state that the terrorist gang asked them at 1.45 whether they were able to render first aid, and they were taken to Dr Dollfuss, who was unconscious and bleeding freely. “We asked the leader of the gang to send for a doctor. He replied that nobody could leave the housey and allowed us to put emergency bandages on the wounds in the right armpit and the left ear. Dr Dollfuss . recovered consciousness and asked to be taken to the hospital, or alternatively to have a doctor and a priest. His pleadings were of no avail. Dr Dollfuss, turning to us, said: * Children, you are good to me, thank you. Why are not the others the same? I only wanted pence. May God forgive the . others.’ His last words were: ‘ Give my love to my wife and children. He died at 3.45.” HERR RINTELEN NOT DEAD CONDITION IMPROVING VIENNA, July 26. Herr Rintelen is not dead. He merely fainted, and his condition is now improving. Order has been restored throughout Austria, The rebels evacuated Liezen, and have surrendered at Donawitz and Badaussee. The railways are back to normal. DISORDERS IN UPPER STYRIA DEATH ROLL OF TWENTY VIENNA, July 26. The Heimwehr, killing three and capturing 35, drove off Nazis who were attempting to capture the. concentration camp at Graz in order to liberate the prisoners. The death roll in Upper Styria is now 20 Heimwehrites and a larger number of rebels. Army reinforcements are hastening to Loeben, Liezen, and Donawitz. Government troops have drivA the Nazis from Radkersburg into Jugoslavia, where they refused to surrender their arms' and. threw them into the river, after which they were granted asylum as political refugees. Dr Dollfuss’s funeral is fixed for 4 o’clock in the afternoon of Saturday. The State is providing for Dr Dollfuss’s family. - Cabinet decided to appoint a special military court of one judge and three officers to try the rebels. It is understood that death is the only possible sentence, and there will be no appeal therefrom. , Frau Dollfuss was taken straight from the aerodrome to see her husband’s body. A few officials were present. § The Chancellery is in disorder, guards being posted, in all the passages. Herr Rinteleu’s secretary, Herr Boehm, and a friend, General Wagner, have been arrested. An unconfirmed report says that one of them committed suicide. KING GEORGE’S SYMPATHY \A DASTARDLY MURDER (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 26. Mr Baldwin, Sir John Simon, and Sir Austen Chamberlain, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps, called at the Austrian Legation in London. Requiem mass for Dr Dollfuss will be held later in the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Westminster. The following telegram from the King has been despatched to the President of the Austrian Republic; “It is with pro found horror I have learned of the dastardly murder, of Dr Dollfuss, and I hasten to convey to you, Monsieur le President, my profound sympathy with you and the Austrian nation at this tragic moment. Pray also convey to Fran Dollfuss, on behalf of the Queen and myself, onr heartfelt condolences.” . BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE STATEMENT IN PARLIAMENT (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 26. Questioned in the House of Commons regarding the Austrian situation, Sir John Simon read the official version of yesterday’s events communicated verbally to the Diplomatic Corps in Vienna last night. He continued : “ I understand that the insurgents arc now in custody, the safe conduct promised to them being treated as having lapsed by reason of the death of the Chancellor, and that the identity of those who actually fired on tho Chancellor is known. In spite of the temporary success of’the insurgents in seizing the Federal Chancellery and the radio station, they received no general support from the population, either in Vienna or in the provinces, where, according to latest reports, everything is now under control, Baron Franckcnstein informed me that he bad heard officially from his Government that Dr Dollfuss lived for a considerable time after he was shot, and was allowed to bleed :o death by his assassins, who refused him both medical and spiritual aid. I may add that the attitude of this country as to the independence and integrity of Austria in accordance with relevant treaties, as stated in the declaration which I made on behalf of bis Majesty's Government in February last, remains unchanged by these tragic events. On February 17 the

French, Italian,, and United Kingdom Governments agreed to the issue of the following communique;—‘ The Austrian Government has inquired of the Governments of France, Great Britain, and Italy about their attitude with regard to the dossier which it prepared with a view to establishing German interference in the internal affairs of Austria and communicated to them. The conversations which have taken place between the three Governments on this subject have shown that they take a common view on the question of the necessity of maintaining Austria’s independence and integrity in accordance with relevant treaties,’ ” A GRAVE VIEW TAKEN SUSPICIONS OF GERMANY BONBON, July 26. It is understood that a despatch has been sent to Mr Lyons in connection with the Austrian crisis. Britain regards the situation with the greatest apprehension. It is feared that if the regime continues it will be weak, whilst if it is a Nazi administration'grave complications will conceivably follow, involving Italian troops entering Austria, thus incensing Jugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Although Sir John Simon, in the House of Commons, did not mention Germany, there is no mistaking Britain’s attitude towards Germany in connection with yesterday’s happenings. THE POPE'S MESSAGE FAITHFUL SON OF THE CHURCH VIENNA, July 26. The Pope’s message to Frau Dollfuss, President Miklas, and Herr Schuschnigg condemns “ the spirit of hate, deliberately encouraged, which led to this damnable and bloody aet.” The Pope described Dr Dollfuss as a faithful son of the church, and the defender of his country. The entire civilised world would condemn his murder, AUSTRO-ITALIAN FRONTIER THE TROOP MOVEMENTS • ; ROME, July 26. ; It is explained that troop movements on the Austro-Italian frontier are usual at this time of the year, and no general move is contemplated. Italy remains calm. The spokesman says that Italy is awaiting events, and will step in at any moment if it appears that the situation is becoming precarious for the Austrian Government.

The Italian Foreign Office issued a statement that, “ while the events in Austria have filled the Italian people with sadness, there is no cause f ,i r alarm, ns the Government appears to be in full control. It is simply an incident which has passed off like other incidents in the Balkans. There is no general rising, as the Nazis hoped. Our economic policy towards Austria is unchanged.”

Subsequently it was officially admitted that land and air forces had been moved to the Austro-Italian frontier in sufficient numbers to meet eventualities. Further precautions at present were deemed unnecessary. Signor Mussolini is conferring with the .Under-Secretaries of War and Foreign Affairs. FRANCE WATCHFUL PRESS BLAMES GERMANY PARIS, July 26. The Foreign Office is maintaining close contact with London and Rome. The official view seems to be that no immediate French initiative ie demanded.The Press unanimously blames Germany for the events in Austria. All papers demand action by England, France, Italy, and Czechoslovakia. . THE FEELING IN ITALY NOW MUCH MORE HOPEFUL LONDON, July 26. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says that Signor Mussolini, on hearing of the assassination, ordered four army divisions and a contingent of the air force to the frontier. Signor Mussolini was acting in full accord with Britain and France. The feeling here is now much more hopeful than it was yesterday. CONDITIONS IN VIENNA PARTIAL CURFEW IMPOSED VIENNA, July 26. Nine hundred Nazis were taken prisoners at Styria. The arrests of Boehm and Wagner arc confirmed. Others arrested include Drs Renner (ex-Chancellor), Steinhause (police chief), Petwaidie (newspaper editor), Herr Andreas (a Hamburger journalist), and the son of Herr Habicht.

Skirmishes at Messendorf, Kaiserwald, and Frohnlfiten were suspended by an armistice conditional upon the surrender of the rebels to-day. The Government is now in full control of the situation. It surprised the Nazis by its swift action after the tragedy. A partial curfew is imposed on the city restaurants, and cafes have been ordered to shut at 10 o’clock at night. Theatres and kinemas are not allowed to open.

PRINCE STARHEMBERG ACTING AS CHANCELLOR VIENNA, July 26. The Cabinet met under Prince Starhemberg as temporary Chancellor, to whom M. Schuschnigg surrendered full powers. Final reconstruction of the Ministry was deferred until Dr Dollfuss is buried. GERMANY'S CONDOLENCES EXCITEMENT IN MUNICH BERLIN, July 26. Herr Hitler is hurrying to Munich, whence a statement will be issued. The Nazis will not be allowed to move to the frontier, which has not been strengthened. Munich is greatly excited. President Hindenburg and Baron von Neurath telegraphed condolences to President Miklas, the former regretting the abominable attack. Semi-official reports state that hundreds of Nazis were arrested throughout Austria. THE BRITISH MINISTER RETURNING FROM LEAVE .{British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 26. The British Minister to Austria (Sir Walford Selby), who has been on leave in England), left for Vienna. CONCERN IN JAPAN TOKIO, July 27. (Received July 27, at 10 p.m.) The Government is most concerned over the situation in Europe, expressing the opinion that the causes of .war are greater than before the World War, though the deterrents are also greater. AMERICA’S CONDOLENCE WASHINGTON, July 27. (Received July 27, at 10 p.m.) President Roosevelt and Mr Cordell Hull have sent messages of condolence to the Austrian Government concerning the assassination of Dr Dollfuss. IMPRISONED REBELS NAMES NOT DISCLOSED VIENNA, July 27. (Received July 27, at 10 p.m.) A search of Herr Rintelen’s rooms revealed a list of a new Cabinet, headed by himself. The Government refuses to publish the names of the imprisoned rebels. ‘ BODY LYING IN STATE CATAFALQUE IN TOWN HALL VIENNA, July 27. (Received July 27, at 7 p.m.) While bells tolled and thousands of massed troops and police lined, the roads Dr Dollfuss’s body, in a metal coffin drawn by six black horses, was taken half a mile from the Chancellery to the Town Hall in order to lie in state. Detachments of police and infantry beaded the procession, while high officers and six of Dr Dollfuss’s war comrades flanked the hearse, behind which walked President Miklas alone. Next were Prince Starhemberg and Major Fey, carrying revolvers, contrary to the usual custom. Dr Dollfuss’s wife and .parents were too overcome with grief to participate in the procession. His sister, brother, and brother-in-law, clad in rustic garb, sprinkled holy water on the coffin after it had been deposited on the catafalque. Dr Dollfuss died almost penniless. Prince Starhemberg announced after a Cabinet-meeting that the Government would carry on as before, presenting a common front to carry out'the task of the Dollfuss regime. The police announce : that the actual murderer of Dr Dollfuss was exCorporal Franz Holzweber, who was discharged from the army in 1932 for engaging ■ in a Nazi agitation. The Nazi party is now officially disclaiming responsibility for the rising, declaring it must have been organised by irresponsiblea. INFLUENCE ON MARKETS LONDON TAKES NEWS CALMLY LONDON,- July 27. (Received July 27, at 5.5 pan.) The Daily Telegraph’s financial editor says: “Though the Austrian crisis had a dominant influence the London markets have withstood the new European apprehensions better than Wall street, where there was heavy selling, or Paris, where there is a heavy tone. Although in'London almost every class of stock and share closed lower than on Wednesday there was no great volume of selling in the city, and the investment world on the whole took the news calmly, but a cautious policy has been adopted pending developments. The chief regret, in the city was that the Austrian tragedy came just when Austria was showing signs of sturdy financial and economic improvement. AUSTRIAN LEGIONARIES INVASION PLANS MISCARRY LONDON, July 27. (Received July 27, at 7 p.m.) The Daily Telegraph’s Munich correspondent says: “The Austrian foreign legionaries’ plans to invade Austria by a dash over the frontier miscarried, and a sudden order received to-day brought a

dramatic halt to the Nazis’ plans. It is now denied that an "armed invasion of Austria was ever contemplated.” The Berlin correspondent if the Daily Express says:, “Herr Hitler’s blackuniformed bodyguard battalions were mobilised to-day and placed under arms in Bavaria in order to prevent legionaries from marching to Austria.” THE LEAGUE’S ATTITUDE INTERVENTION IMPROBABLE GENEVA, July 27. (Received July 27, at 7 p.m.) League officials, after communicating with London, Paris, and Rome, state that League intervention in Austrian affairs is improbable. The Swiss guards on the Austrian frontier have been doubled CLEARING GERMANY HERR HITLER’S EFFORTS LONDON, July 27. (Received July 27, at 8 p.m.) The Daily Mail’s Munich correspondent states: “Herr Hitler is doing his utmost to clear his regime from responsibility for the Austrian rising. He has dismissed Herr Habicht for alleged complicity ifi recent events and has ordered Austrian Nazis resident in Germany to hand in their arms and uniforms. He states that any who attempt to cross into Austria will be shot. HERR VON PAPEN TO ACT AS GERMAN MINISTER BERLIN, July 27. (Received July 27, at 8 p.m.) Herr Hitler has sent a message to Herr von Papen asking him to go to Vienna immediately to report on the situation and act for a temporary period as German Minister. The letter proceeds: “In your hew office you will directly, under my orders,; inquire into the attack on the Austrian Chancellor, which has been condemned and regretted most emphatically by the German Government. It is my wish, if possible, to contribute to the relief of .the general situation and especially to see our relations with the Austrian State brought again into normal friendly channels. I ask you, dear Herr von Papen, to undertake this important task because you have enjoyed and are enjoying my fullest and most unbounded confidence.” . FIGHTING REPORTED TROOPS LOSE HEAVILY VIENNA, July 27. (Received July 27, at S p.m.) An official communique admits considerable losses of Government troops in fighting for the Pyhra Pass. Annaberg Hill, in Carinthia, was taken after a long, fierce action. Nine Nazis lie dead on the field and two machine guns and 100 rifles were captured. ‘ ; / It has been reported that 30 were killed in. fighting at Loeben, where an armistice has been agreed upon until dawn. ■ ■ .’ ■ , , AN INGENIOUS MOVE BERLIN, July 27. (Received July 28, at 1.30 a.m.) It has been officially announced that Herr, von Papen has accepted the Viennese post and that he has been relieved of the functions of Vice-Chancellor and Commissioner of the Saar. General Goering is mentioned as his successor. Diplomatic circles consider the appointment an extremely ingenious move as i,t removes Herr von Papen from the immediate sphere of his Cabinet colleagues, with whom, the position has been difficult since the recent clean-up of the Nazi Party. “GERMANY’S HAND STAINED?' : PARIS, July 27. ; (Received July 28, at 1 a.m.) The newspapers generally suggest that the Powers hold themselves in readiness to intervene if Austria’s integrity rs threatened. M. Henri Berenger, writing in the Agence Ecohomique Finahciere, says: “Germany’s hand is stained with Dr Doilfuss’s blood,” and adds: “ The League should have acted in February. England, Italy, France and Czechoslovakia must not leave the matter til! it is too late.” M. Boneour, in an interview with the Petit Journal, said: “If any country intervened on its own responsibility it would lead to a dangerous situation, biit if authorised by the League the danger would be obviated.” A SIGNIFICANT TELEGRAM • LONDON, July 27. (Received July 28, at 1 a.m.) Mr Ward Price has specially gone to Vienna. The Daily Mail says: “Great political significance attaches to Signor Mussolini’s telegram of condolence to Frau Dollfuss declaring with emphasis which is rare in an official communication, “ Nobody has any doubt whore the responsibility, most immediate and remote, for the Chancellor’s death resides.” STATEMENT BY MR FORBES (Fbom Odb Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, July 27. No information has reached the New Zealand Government concerning the attitude of the British Government towards the crisis in Austria. “We have had no communications from the Imperial Government in any shape or form,” said the Prime Minister (Mr G. W. Forbes) this evening when his attention was called to the cabled message from Sydney in which' it was inferred that the Australian Government had been informed by the British authorities that they regarded the Austrian situation with the greatest apprehension.