LINZ, Austria, March 12, 1938 (UP) -- Adolf Hitler, greeted with frenzied acclaim by 250,000 Austrians in Linz on his triumphal return to his native land, told the Austrian people in a radio broadcast tonight that the demonstration proves that it is the wish of the entire Austrian nation to follow Germany's leadership, and proclaimed the union of Austria and Germany.
Hitler was welcomed by provisional Chancellor Seyss-Inquart, who came from Vienna, the Mayor of Linz, August Elgruber and other officials.
The Mayor, in addressing Hitler, said:--
"We proclaim Article 88 of the peace treaty dead."
(Article 88 of the St. Germain treaty forbids anschluss or union with Germany).
In his speech, Hitler began:--
"Germans, Herr Chancellor:--I thank you for the welcome. I thank you who are present to testify that it is not the wish of the few to follow the great popular reich, but the wish of the entire nation.
"May a few of the well known foreign seekers after truth not only see the truth, but also admit the truth.
"When I left this town I had the same ideals as now."
He was interrupted by frantic cheering.
"If Providence calls me from this town," Hitler continued, "its intention could only be this:--Through me to restore my dear homeland to the German nation.
"I lived and fought for this aim and I think I now have fulfilled it."
Speaking in a highly emotional voice, Hitler returned to the coming Nazi-controlled plebiscite and said:--
"When you are called on to give a confession of faith-I hope the day may not be far distant-I hope I can be proud of my home province. I hope you will show the whole world that Germany unity can never be dissolved.
"Just as you are ready to do your share," Hitler went on, "Germany also is determined to stand by you. The German soldiers who have marched in are fighters for the entire nation, for the unity of the Reich, for the might and greatness and glory of Germany now and forever. Germany, sieg heil!"
The crowd around the City Hall, mad with enthusiasm, broke into a mighty chorus of "Deutschland Uber Alles," and then the Nazi hymn, the Horst Wessel song.
After he concluded, Hitler entered the City Hall, but was forced to appear on the balcony time after time to respond to the thunderous cheers.
Hitler left the City Hall soon afterwards and departed by automobile in the direction of Vienna to chants of "Sieg Heil, Seig Heil."
By command windows in the market square were lighted in Hitler's honor. Windows of all "Aryan" homes were illuminated but Jewish homes remained in darkness.
Hitler stood in the open car as it departed. The radio announcer said:--
"Der Fuehrer is proceeding downstream in a direction along the Danube."
