OLYMPIC TORCH

Wairarapa Daily Times, 31 July 1936, Page 5

OLYMPIC TORCH

STRANGE SCENES UPROAR IN VIENNA. Press Association Electric Telegraph—Copyright VIENNA, Thursday. Strange and unexpected scenes marked the arrival of the Olympic torch, Nazis turning what should have been a great sporting event into a political demonstration. Cries of “Heil Hitler” became one continuous roar as the Austrian runner bearing the torch passed the Roman gates of the Hofburg. .Then; when, after the lighting of the sacred flame, the Austrian Olympic President, Herr Schmidt, mentioned the name of President Miklas there was a storm of eat-, calls and booing. Pandemonium broke out when Prince Starhcmberg, Ileimwehr leader, stepped on to the platform, whereas President Miklas was heard in silence. When Prince Starhemberg lit the torch for the new runner, the Nazis’ outcry was deafening.

Many fights throughout the city followed, especially in the Jewish quarters, and the cry “Heil Hitler” rang out through the streets. It is estimated that between 400 and 500 arrests were made, including several German agents. Many of the demonstrators looked miserably poor, and appeared to have been hired to shout Nazi slogans.

It is officially announced that, owing to the incidents, action under the amnesty to political offenders following the Austro-German pact, has been stopped indefinitely. Those arrested will be sent to a concentration camp. SPAIN WITHDRAWS. (Received Friday, 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, Thursday. Spain has withdrawn from the Olympic Games. SALUTE TO HITLER. U.S.A. VARIATION. (Received Friday, 12.15 p.m.) BERLIN, Thursday. With a view to pi-eventing the impression that discourtesy was intended, when the American' flag will not be dipped to Herr Hitler, while the Americans are marching in the Olympic parade, the United States Olympic Committee has issued a statement pointing out that, “according to arniy regulations, the American flag may (never be dipped, therefore, it was ; impossible for the flag-bearer to comply with the parade instructions.” The team decided; to saliite Herr Hitler with straw hats carried at shoulder level, which is distinct from the Nazi salute. The American girls are giving the regulation Olympic salute.