NAZIFICATION OF AUSTRIA

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20427, 18 February 1938, Page 7

NAZIFICATION OF AUSTRIA

COUNTRY’S FULL SURRENDER OFFER OF ADDITIONAL CONCESSIONS A SETTLEMENT OF THE CRISIS ASSURED ( Received February 18. 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17 The \ ienna correspondent of the British Lnited Press says reports received in diplomatic circles from Berlin state that Dr. Inquart's offer of additional concessions has been accepted by Herr Hitler, and a settlement of the crisis seems assured. The price is tantamount to Austria’s complete surrender. BERLIN, February 17 Following a meeting with Herr Hitler, Dr. Inquart had a long conversation with Herr Himmler. One of the earliest steps towards the Nazification of Austria is expected to be the incorporation of the illegal Storm Troops within the Austrian patriotic front. VIENNA, February 17 It i« believed that Herr Hitler insists on the dismissal of Dr. Kienbock, Governor of the Austrian National Bank, who opposed Austria's participation in Germany’s four-year plan.

COMPLETE SURPRISE

ITALY PLEASED

OFFICIAL CIRCLES IN BRITAIN LITTLE INFORMATION GIVEN united Press Assn.—Elec. TeL Copyright Received Feb. 18, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17 Mr Anthony Ed.n received the Austrian Ambassador. A report that Dr. von Schuschnigg asked whether military assistance would be forthcoming in the event of non-compliance with Herr Hitler's demand is denied at Whitehall. Dr. von Schuschnigg informed Britain of the meeting with Herr Hitler but did not indicate its purpose. Official circles in Britain were completely surprised at the results. GREAT INTEREST IN BRITAIN NO REPRESENTATIONS MADE DENIAL OF REPORTS United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyr'gM (Received Feb. 18, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Feb.l7 Reports that representations on behalf of Britain have been made in Berlin regarding the Austrian developments. following the Berchtesgaden interview, are inaccurate. No such representations have been made. In view of the interest it has always shown in Austrian affairs Britain has folowed the course of events with the closest interest, and inquiries regardng what had passed have naturally been made in Berlin and Vienna. LONDON PRESS COMMENT ENDING OF FRICTION EUROPE BREATHES FREELY United ‘Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright LONDON, Feb. 16 The opinions of the London press on the German-Austrian agreement vary. The Daily Mail regards the agreement as ending the friction, and says Europe breathes more freely. The Daily Telegraph sees in Herr Hitler’s action the old method of the mailed fist. ‘•The agreement is only judgable i by what it contributes to the ; stability of Central Europe," says the j Times. No treaty could ever take i Austria permanently from the German j orbit. No one but a fanatic will be i persuaded that Nazism, ns practised in j Germany, can ever spontaneously take strong roots in Austrian soil, or that Austria could ever become under duress 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 the natural resistance now and in the future to the ideals and passions forced upon an unwilling people." FAMOUS CONDUCTOR'S DECISION WITHDRAWAL FROM FESTTV \L OPPOSITION TO NAZI-ISM j United Tress Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright I (Received Feb. is. 11 a.m.) NEW YORK. Fell. 17 i ; Tos.-anini. tin- f. m ms «’..mlin*t■.:*. has announc'd that, dim to recent d»* - j \elf.; r,ient~ in Aimß i... hr - \\ !t. li\.u - ! inallv he plunncd I . aid tl e S ilzbui-g j It was revealed Hint Toscanini relle nferreil with frien.ll nd I dates before announcing his decision.

A MOVE FOR PEACE THE VALUE OF COLLABORATION POLICY OF UNDERSTANDING United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb. 18. 11.30 a.m.) ROME, Feb. 17 An official statement declares that the events in Austria have offered a certain part of the international press occasion for absurd comments on Italy’s attitude and the consequences for the political situation in Europe. Responsible Italian circles regard the decision of Dr. von Schuschnigg as a natural development of AustroGerman relations, as laid down in the agreement in July, 1936, on the basis of mutual and sincere collaboration, which is regarded with open favour by the Italian Government. It heralds the beginning of a new era of pacification by two peoples profoundly linked by race, language and common culture. It is absurd, like certain French circles, to imagine that Austrian independence will have a permanent anti-German character. It is 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 the two German States responds to reality and the essential interests of peace and tranquility In Central Europe. Italy supported in full the agreement and DF. von Schuschnigg’s courageous work, which will earn him the sympathy of all really favouring a policy Of understanding and peace. MUSSOLINI’S SILENCE DID HE RECEIVE A PRICE? COWED BY HERR HITLER United Preas Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copy right LONDON, Feb. 17. The Paris correspondent of the News Chronicle says official French circles are chiefly disturbed over Signor Mussolini's failure to defend Austria. If II Duce received a price for his silence, It Is feared that the bargain will soon be revealed in Spain or the Mediterranean, but the opinion is held that Signor Mussolini may have been cowed by Herr Hitler and that he is not able to assume further responsibility owing to his campaign in Abyssinia and Spain*. AMNESTY TO PRISONERS PROMINENT NAZIS RELEASED United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright VIENNA, Feb. 16 It is understood that the amnesty to political prisoners applies to the former Minister to Rome, llerr von Rintlcn, who participated in the uprising in July. 1934, and to other Nazis connected with the uprising and with murder. The sensational trial of the engineer Woitsche, who was al- ! leged to have planned the bombing of Dr. Schuschnigg’s car in 1936. has been cancelled. j The President, Dr Miklas. has signj ed the. amnesty, which will become operative at midnight. SUGGESTION OF A HITCH | •; i: MM AN-Al*S Tit I A N A<llt E E ,\! ENT United Pres-* Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright Vienna. Feb. to Tl.;. *i-- •■ - 1 11 > of .« Milch in tin gi n ' ■ Xuslria and ... -an .u, . - :> under.-t -,| llial Hie Ah--' Ml ,\r IKd i \ .1 all ;n do* !•:>•! ■ i 11 O' rei-.il:'.:, German military movements. ■ - - ■ ta formatioi ng Gei tan pi sura- ' ably to resume their activities,