A RE-SHUFFLE

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20425, 16 February 1938, Page 7

A RE-SHUFFLE

THE AUSTRIAN MINISTRY TALKS WITH HERR HITLER ANXIETY THROUGHOUT COUNTRY United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb, 18, 11 a.m.) VIENNA, Feb. 15 Dr. Kurt von Schuschnlgg has summoned a meeting of the Cabinet, at which he Intends to discuss his talks with Herr Hitler and proposals for a ministerial re-shuffle. The country is waiting anxiously for Dr. von Schuschnlgg to throw light on recent events. The Stock Exchange is In • very subdued mood. POINTS IN DISPUTE AUSTRIA ON TENTERHOOKS ULTIMATUM BY HERR HITLER United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 15 The Vienna correspondent of the Times says Austria is still on tenterhooks to know the result of the interview between Herr Hitler and the Austrian Dr. £ elms cl-

President, Dr. Miklas, has not yet signed an agreement, owing to strong .Austrian opposition. The chief point in dispute is whether Dr. von Seyss Inquart, who has been serving as Nazi Pacification Commissioner, should be given control of the Austrian police, according to Herr Hitler’s urgent recommendation. Herr Hitler’s suggestion is regarded as tantamount to an ultimatum, as he demanded a reply by February 16 to enable him to prepare his speech, to bo delivered In the Reichstag on February 20. Pessimism is noticeable in official circles in Vienna. This is attributable to the belief that Dr. Schuschnigg agreed that Dr. Inquart shall control the police. Must be Settled Quickly The Rome correspondent of the Daily Telegraph <says it is realised there that Dr. Schuschnigg’s talk with Herr Hitler raised matters which must be settled quickly if the relations between the two countries are to improve. It appears that Ur. Schuschnigg appealed to Signor Mussolini to use his influence to modify Herr Hitler's demands. These demands, it is understood, included the appointment of at least four Nazis to the Austrian Cabinet, which Dr. Schuschnigg refused, although he was prepared to waive the restoration of the Hapsburgs to the throne. It is believed that Signor Mussolini consented to use his influence as requested. The Vienna correspondent of the Daily Telegraph states that Herr von Ribbentrop, German Foreign Minister, during the conference, demanded the suppression of Monarchist propaganda in Austria. Dr. Schuschnigg declined to make concessions, declaring that a Monarchist putsch was improbable, even impossible. It is believed that Dr. Schuschnigg obtained Herr Hitler's promise to prevent German Nazis from financing the Austrian movement, also from exporting propaganda. Stock Exchange Depressed The Vienna Stock Exchange is depressed. chiefly owing to Jewish fears of increased anti-Semitism. The Berlin correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says the strictest secrecy is being preserved there regarding the discussions, owing to tiie fact that the Austrian and German Governments are still negotiating. “SOLD TO THE NAZIS” PROTESTS IN AUSTRIA AGREEMENT WITH GERMANY Lnited Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 15. The Vienna correspondent of the News Chronicle reports that 1000 workers in a Vienna factory carried out a two-hours* sit down strike as a protest ■ - linst tlie prospect of being "sold !'' the Nazis." Organised protests occurred in at least two otiier factories in Vienna. The semi-official organ Wiener Tagblat says it can be stated definitely that Dr. Schuschnigg will remain Chief of Public Security and will retain Dr. Skuble as Secretary of State. The paper says tlie new agreement ny is so w rdt d is to <nsure the removal of political and economic misunderstandings between the two countries. .(Continued in previous column.)