22 APRIL 1938, Page 17

[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR] SIR,—In last week's Spectator

you write to the effect that -robably millions of Austrians are against the Anschluss.

I had to be in Vienna for a fortnight, including the plebiscite day itself. I spoke to all sorts and conditions of people and

have come back with the feeling that probably So per cent. of those who voted are now really pleased that Austria has

become part and parcel of Germany. Whether in a year's time they will be equally pleased remains to be seen. As was to be expected, the younger generation were specially enthusiastic and were particularly influenced by the vast and skilful methods of propaganda. The older generation were less easily influenced. The visit to Germany organised for too of the leading Communists in Vienna converted them to the Nazi system as is shown by the article written by Der Rote Robert in the Wiener Ncuiste Nachrichten, April 1st. The appeal made by Red Robert to vote for Hitler must have had a telling effect.

I write this in no sense approving of the methods which have been employed to bring about the Anschluss and I have returned from Vienna appalled by the ruthless action taken by the Austrian Nazis against the Jews.—Yours faithfully, zo Kensington Court, W. 8.

GEORGE CROSFIELD.