London, May 31.
Morale in Austria has rapidly fallen since the beginning of the western offensive, according to reports from reliable sources.
Many Austrians are fighting in the west and it is learned from wounded pouring into Austria every day that German successes are gained only at enormous cost.
Most of the wounded arriving are natives of other parts of the Reich. In most cases Austrians are unaware whether their own husbands or friends have been killed or wounded.
Another soürce of discontent is the recent mobilization of many boys between the ages of 15 and 18 who are receiving preliminary training.
Troops still serving in southern Austria are between 35 and 45 years old. Civilians are not allowed to approach the frontier, where guards have been strengthened.
According to the same sources, Communist placards have been posted during blackouts in eastern Carinthia. Handbills brought back to Austria by the wounded give evidence of.anti-Nazi activity. One shows a drawing of numerous graveyards and weeping women underneath an extract from one of Hitler's speeches: "I will give every German his little plot of ground."—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.