“HAS ITALY BEEN HOODWINKED ?”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20966, 19 February 1938, Page 11

“HAS ITALY BEEN HOODWINKED ?”

GERMAN STROKE IN AUSTRIA RESTRAINED PRESS IN ROME ANTI-FASCIST FEEDINGS IN AUSTRALIA United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright ROME, February 17. An official statement declares that Austrian events have offered a certain part of the ir.iernational Press an occasion for absurd comments on Italy's attitude and the consequences of the political situation in Europe. Responsible Italian circles regard the decision of Dr. Schuschnigg as a natural development of Austro-Ger-man relations as laid down in the agreement of July, 1936 on a basis of mutual sincere collaboration which is regarded with open favour by the Italian Government. It heralds the beginning of a new era in the pacification of two peoples profoundly linked by race, language and common culture. It is absurd like certain French circles to imagine that Austrian independence must have a permanent Anti-German character. It is to Italy’s merit that she fully understood the meaning of the 1936 accord which precisely stated that Austria is a German State and should logically lead to an understanding between Austria and Germany. The Fascist Government has always considered that the cordial collaboration of these two German states responds to reality and is essential in the interest of peace and tranquillity in Central Europe. Italy supported and is in full agreement with Dr. Schuschnigg's courageous work which will earn him the symathy of all who are really favouring a policy of understanding and peace. HINT OF ITALO-GERMAN STROKE MAY JOINTLY SUPPORT DEMANDS United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 18, 11.50 pun.) LONDON, February 18. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” says: “Well toformed circles in London believe that Herr Hitler and Signor Muqsollnl will endeavour to secure the Powers’ consideration of Germano-Italian demands jointly, probably hoping that by pooling their claims they will more likely gain satisfaction.

ENGLISH PRESS VIEWS “OLD METHOD OF MAILED FIST” United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 17. Opinions of the London newspapers on the German-Austrian agreement I vary. “The Times” appears unalarmed. "The Daily Mail” regards the agreement as ending friction. It says: “Europe breathes more freely.” "The Daily Telegraph" sees to Herr Hitlers action the old method of the mailed first. “The agreement can only be judged by what it contributes to the stability of Central Europe," says “The Times. ’ “No treaty could ever take Austria I permanently from the German orbit. No one but a fanatic will be persuaded that Nazism as practised in Germany I can ever spontaneously take strong roots in Austrian soil, or that Austria could ever become under duress convinced to be a partner in a system not her own. “While it would be hard, therefore, to prophesy finality for the latest compromise, too little may easily be allowed for the strength of natural resistance now and in the future to the ideals and passions forced upon an unwilling people.”

HOSTILITY TO FASCISM POPULAR DEMONSTRATION IN MELBOURNE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright - MELBOURNE, February 18 Four thousand people demonstrated at the Port Melbourne waterfront last night as a protest against the assault on an Italian resident to the cruiser Rahnond Monte Cuccoli on Tuesday. The demonstrators burned an effigy of Mussolini amid angry shouts of “Down With Fascism" and “Punish the Fascist Brigands.” Prince's Pier, where the Italian cruiser is bertheJ. was closely guarded by a strong detachment of police. All the members of the crew of the cruiser were refused shore leave. The crowd assembled on the road near the wharf and carried a stronglyworded resolution against Fascism. Another motion censured the Federal Attorney-General for “not having taken action against this crime" and demanded an apology and compensation for the victim of the assault.