GROWING ALARM IN EUROPE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIV, Issue 20985, 14 March 1938, Page 7

GROWING ALARM IN EUROPE

MORE GERMAN PROMISES SMALL POWERS DEEPLY SHOCKED “NO CONCERN OF UNITED STATES” United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 13, 6.30 pan.) PRAGUE, March 12. The German Minister has presented a Note to the Czecho-Slovakian Government assuring it that Germany does not entertain hostile designs. Czecho-Slovakia should not be alarmed at the events in Austria. Nazi Storm Troops have replaced the Austrian Customs officials on the Czecho frontier. Austrians are not permitted to leave Austria. Refugee Packed Trains Trains packed with Austrian refugees are running hours late. The roads are blocked with motor cars and omnibuses filled with refugees, many of whom are being turned backSMALL POWERS ALARMED DEFENCES STRENGTHENED AND FRONTIERS CLOSED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright (Received March 13, 6.30 pan.) LONDON, March 12. Hungary has closed her frontier to prevent fugitives entering, and is also strengthening her defences. Switzerland Shocked "Austria’s fate has severely shocked the Swiss, who fear that Switzerland’s military situation has been worsened, as Germany now faces her on two frontiers,” says a message from Berne. Discussions In London In London, discussions between Britain, France and Czecho-Slovakia took place when Dr Masaryk, the Czech Minister, called at the Foreign Office. M. Delbos (France) saw M. Osusky, the Czech Minister in Paris, also Sir James Phipps 'British Ambassador). Anglo-French Consultations The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says: It is understood that M. Delbos asked Britain to join France in a declaration that she would uphold Czech Integrity. A message from Prague says that the Foreign Office is constantly in touch with the Ministers in London and Paris. The Austrian events have caused grave dissatisfaction in Belgrade Opposition circles, but the Government is maintaining its neutral attitude. It is reported from Bucharest that the Rumanian frontier has been closed against Austrian refugees. JAP-ITALIAN ELATION GERMAN ENVOY BOUND FOR ROME United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 13, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 13. The Japanese newspapers are elated over the Nazi coup. A special envoy has arrived in Rome by air from Berlin, bringing Signor Mussolini a letter from Herr Hitler concerning Austrian affairs. Royalists’ Hopes Fade The Archduke Otto is most depressed, as he realises that his hope* of returning to Austria have closed. “NO BUSINESS OF UNITED STATES” REACTION TO AUSTRIAN CRISIS United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 13, 6.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 11. While gravely concerned over the Austrian crisis, Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) said there is nothing the United States intended to do about it, says the Washington correspondent of “The New York Times.” The situation has been canvassed between President Roosevelt and himself in the course of a general survey ot world conditions, but Mr Hull emphasised that no consideration of policy was involved. “The Government has not paralleled with Britain and France in urging moderation on Germany. It is felt that Dr Schuschnigg intended to stand by his guns, and resign only if he realised the fight had been definitely lost.” Mr Hull added that the Chancellor’s resignation was interpreted as meaning that Germany had won. The next question which would be answered by events was what method would Herr Hitler pursue in consolidating his position. Mr Hull believed the majority of the Austrians were reconcilable to the situation.