AUSTRIAN FASCISTS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 196, 16 May 1936, Page 11

AUSTRIAN FASCISTS

Fight Just Beginning, Says Starhemberg LEADER’S DEFIANCE Chancellor Intends To Disarm Ileimwehr By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.. (Received May 15. 7.50 p.m.) London, May 14. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Vienna correspondent says that 2000 Ileimwehr men cheered and Hung up their hands in the Fascist salute as Prince Starhemberg left for Rome for a football match between Austria and Italy on May 17. which he is attending as leader of the Austrian Spoys organisation. He was in a defiant mood, declaring: "The light for Fascism in Austria is not over. It is only just beginning. It will start in earnest when I return. Fascism will triumph.” Dr. Draxler, Minister of Finance, declared that. Ihe visit was arranged months ago, and had no political significance. He stated that Dr. Schuscbnigg. the Chancellor, intends to disarm the Ileimwehr immediately.

Foreign pressure was partly responsible for Prince Stariieniberg’s eclipse. Immediately his telegram t () Signor Mussolini, congratulating bint on the victory in Abyssinia, was published, the British, French and Czech Min sters called on Dr, Schuschnigg and a-ked whether Prince Starhemberg was expressing the Government’s views. Dr. Schusehnigg. already angered by bis rival's subordination, answered by removing him from office. A cable published yesterday stated:— Dr. Schusehnigg. Chancellor of Austria, had announced that Cabinet had been reconstructed. Dr. Schusehnigg now holds tlie posts of Chancellor, Foreign Minister, and Minister of National Defence. The Vice-Chancellor is Major Baar Barenfels. Prince Starhemberg, the former Vice-Chancellor and leader of the Heimweiir, is no longer in the Cabinet. It was senii-oflicially stated that the object of the reconstruction was the “strengthening of forces ready to build up an independent Austria.” In addition to his Ministerial posts Dr. Schusehnigg has taken over from Prince Starhemberg the command of the Fatherland Front. There are now only three Ileimwehr supporters m Cabinet. Other Ministers are mainly members of the Catholic Party. The reconstruction is thus a severe defeat for Prince Starhemberg. who is no longer a member of the Government. Austria :s now under a virtual Schusehnigg dictatorship.