THE AUSTRO-GERMAN AGREEMENT
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The Austro-German agreement is, I fear, likely to be a cause of European controversy. May I, therefore, invite
attention to the fundamental facts. The Eightieth Article of the Treaty of Versailles reads as follows :-
" Germany acknowledges and will respect strictly the indepen- dence of Austria within the frontiers which may be fixed in a treaty between that State and the principal Allied and Associated Powers ; she agrees that their independence shall be inalienable except with the consent of the Council of the League of Nations."
The frontiers of Austria were fixed by the Powers so as
to make Austria a small State with a large capital surrounded by hostile tariff barriers. This small State has found it difficult to live shut in as she is by what are in effect prison walls, and the social disorders consequent on her imprison-
are not only a danger to her political and economic health
but to the whole of Europe. She has now arranged with Germany to pull down one of these imprisoning tariff walls. The French Press and Government assert that to pull down a prison wall and to seek air and liberty is a sacrifice of inde- pendence. I have always believed that the French prided themselves on their logical reasoning, but surely in this matter they are not living up to their reputation. In any case if there be a doubt as to the meaning of the word " inde- pendence " the WOrld Court is there to resolve doubts of this nature.—I am, Sir, &c., GRAHAM BOWER. Studwell Lodge, Droxford, Hants.
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