AUSTRIAN NAZIS JUBILANT

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20965, 18 February 1938, Page 9

AUSTRIAN NAZIS JUBILANT

PATRIOTIC CIRCLES ALARMED HINT OF DOWNFALL OF CHANCELLOR ’“VIRTUAL SACRIFICE OF INDEPENDENCE” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 17, 8.10 p.m.) VIENNA, February 17. The Nazis are jubilant, but the momentous news of measures to placate them has caused the greatest depression among patriotic Austrians. Widespread Alarm Much alarmed Jews and non-Nazis are not reassured by the hurried departure of Herr Inquart (Minister of Interior and Security) for Berlin, after several telephonic conversations. It is believed that he has gone to consult Herr Hitler on the methods the Nazis demand in order to implement the agreement. Almost simultaneously it was announced that General Goering would visit Vienna in March for discussions with Dr. Schuschnigg, regarding Aus-trian-German military co-operation. German Arrogance Meanwhile there are suggestions of a hitch, as it is understood that the Austrian authorities have not received an indication of the cessation of German military movements. Moreover, many former members of the dissolved semi-military formation are arriving from Germany, presumably to resume activities. Herr Inquart, formally assuming the Ministry, said: "The German executive never failed and never will fail. It expects every man to do his duty in the tradition of the German nation and the Austrian Fatherland." Official Recognition President Miklas has signed the amnesty which will become operative on February 16. Herr Hitler will speak at noon on February 20, and all Germans must listen in. CHANCELLOR’S POSITION SURRENDER TO FORCE OF CIRCUMSTANCES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 17. The British United Press correspondent at Vienna reports that Dr Schuschnigg is not expected to remain long in office as Chancellor of Austria. It is suggested that after tlie changes are completed he will retire and allow someone more favourable to the Austro-German deal to take control. Paradoxically, Dr. Schuschnigg, whose life’s ambition has been the restoration of the Hapsburgs, was forced by circumstance to accept an agreement excluding the possibility of restoration for years. It is believed that Dr Schuschnigg agreed to the changes, which he disapproved, in order to avoid disorders arising from the sudden resignation which he contemplated. Germany's Demands The first editions of the London newspapers expressed the belief that Austria had accepted the German demands. which were reported to coneist of:— (1) The inclusion of a minimum of three Nazis in the Cabinet, including Dr. von Seysslnqart (2) An amnerty for Austrian Nazis at present imprisoned. (3) The prompt repatriation of 30.000 Austrian Nazis at present in Germany. (4) The cessation of assistance and succour from the Austrian episcopates to Catholic priests from Germany (6) The prohibition of Austrian newspapers from reporting the Roman Catholic persecution in Germany, or details of Germany's troubles. There are also several economic Clauses. "The Daily Telegraph” states that by surrendering to Herr Hitler's demands, Austria has virtually sacrificed her independence. Tire Berll.'. correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” say: "In addition to military co-operation, Dr. Goering will discuss methods of supplementing political and cultural accord, -nd German economic experts have already gone to Vienna to discuss a trade pact. Military talks will follow Involving ultimately complete German control. Personnel of Cabinet The Vienna correspondent of the "Times” gives the new Austrian Cabinet as follows: Chancellor, Dr K. von Schuschnigg. Vice-Chancellor, General Hulgerth. Foreign Minister, Dr Schmidt. Interior and Security. Herr Inquart. Justice. Professor Adamovitch. Education, Herr Pernter. Social Welfare, Herr Resch. Commerce, Herr Raab. Finance. Dr Neumayer. Agriculture, Herr Manndorfer. Ministers without portfolios, Herr Glaisehorstenau, Herr Zernaito, and Herr Rott. Secretaries:—Defence, Herr Zehner; Workmen’s Protection, Herr Watvek: Commerce. Herr Stepskidoliwa; Security, Herr Shubl. The last named was hitherto Director of Security and is now’ a subordinate of Dr Inquart with the designation of Inspector-General of Police and Gendarmerie. A Germanophile. Dr Schmidt, now wields foreign affairs, which are freed from the control of Dr Schuschnigg, who hitherto had combined this portfolio with the Chancellorship. Thus the appointments of Herr Inquart and Dr Schmidt somewhat weaken the Chancellor's position.