12 SEPTEMBER 1931, Page 2

The Austro - German Customs Union Austria and Germany last week abandoned

' their project for a Customs Union. Negotiations with the French delegates at Geneva had made it clear that France would not lend Austria any more Money unless she renounced the scheme. Accordingly, Dr. Schober, the Austrian Foreign Minister, announced on September 3 that Austria would pursue the project no farther. Dr. Curtius, the German Foreign Minister, confirmed the statement but urged once again that the proposed union was only intended to form part of a general Economic Union for Europe. They had anticipated an adverse ruling at The Hague and their action was generally welcomed.