MARTYR'S DEATH

Evening Star, Issue 21785, 30 July 1934, Page 9

MARTYR'S DEATH

MURDER OF DR DOLLFUSS SCENES OF SORROW AT FUNERAL ONE OF AUSTRIA'S NOBLEST LEADERS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. VIENNA, July 29. Despite fears that the Nazis would make the funeral of Dr Dollfuss an opportunity for a new putsch, 750,000 Austrians mourned the son of a peasant as once they mourned a dead emperor. Such general sorrow has not been seen since the burial of the Emperor Franz Josef. The utmost precautions were taken to prevent an outrage, and thousands of troops, Heimwehr, and police lined the route with fixed bayonets, many facing the watching crowds. The obsequies began in the great square outside the City Hall, where the body of Dr Dollfuss had lain in state. The widow, a lonely figure, draped in a black veil, was led to the foot of the dais by Prince Starhemberg. She refused a chair,, and stood throughout the funeral orations. Dr Dollfuss’s aged parents, clad in black peasant garb, wept without restraint as Predent Miklas praised the simplicity, bravery, and honour of the man who had fought and suffered for Austria. The President declared that Dr Dollfuss at no time desired to fight his political enemies; the fight was forced upon him. He added: “ Although deeprooted in Austrian' soil and a defender of Austrian peasantry, he was German in blood and race. Though the truthfulness, honesty, courage, and determination by which he saved Austria from losing her soul in so-called Nazi conformity prevented Austria from becoming the battlefield of Europe and saved the European face, he finally sealed his acts with the blood of a martyr. It was Dr Dollfuss’s will that the Fatherland should be a great, independent Austria, and may the Chancellor’s will bo ours. His last wish of peace for Austria and tlie world will be fulfilled.” Prince Starhemberg said: “ Good-bye to my old friend. Only your body has died. Your spirit lives on, and you will always be remembered as one of Austria’s noblest, greatest, and most modest leaders. Your death has won the battle for independence.” The coffin was covered with the Austrian flag, and on it were placed Dr Dollfuss’s military cap and sword and the widow’s wreath of white roses. The Government’s were placed on a gun carriage drawn by six black horses and flanked by municipal pallbearers The gun carriage preceded thirteen lorry loads of wreaths, including one from Signor Mussolini. The mourners included thousands of members of religious orders, black-garbed members of patriotic societies, and detachments of troops. Peals from the bells of the city’s churches were dominated by the solemn boom of the great bell of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

There were scenes of great sorrow throughout the route. Cardinal innit zer gave the absolution at St. Stephen’s, in which armed policemen, with fixed, bayonets, were ready for action, while aeroplanes Hew overhead trailing black streamers. . Dr Dollfuss had expressed a wish to be buried alongside his friend and men tof, Dr Seipel (a former Chancellor), whose body will be laid in a memorial church when .it has been completed.. Meanwhile, at the desire of the widow, the body will be temporarily interred at Heitrmg Cemetery in the grave where his year-old daughter was buried in 1933, and on which only last week Ur Dollfuss laid a wreath. The cortege proceeded to the cemetery by motor, the mourners occupying 600 cars The widow, sobbing piteously, was led away. SITUATION LESS TENSE ' LONDON, July 27. Responsible Italian opinion corroborates Herr t’ranckenstein’s view that the Austrian situation is less tense. The ‘ Manchester Guardian's ' Pans correspondent regards Signor Mussolini’s warning telegram to Germany as the most important diplomatic event since Dr Dollfuss’s death. The Vienna correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ regards the situation as stijl fraught with uncertainty in Cariuthia, where guerrilla warfare accounted for 180 deaths among the Government troops, while the Nazi casualties were greater. FIGHTING IN STfRIA ENDED PRINCE STARHEMBERG’S HINT TO GERMANY LONDON. July 27. A message from Vienna states that the fighting in Styria ended at last in an encounter at Eibeswald, when 700 Nazis were rounded up and surrendered. Traffic on the State railways throughout Austria has been restored. Prince Starhemberg, in a broadcast, said: “ We want to live on good terms with our neighbours, and we are ready to forget the past if we are not dis turbed in the future. Dr Dollfuss’s death has lighted the torch for Austrians, who must believe in their future and be proud of their own accomplishments.” The Berlin correspondent of ( The Times ’ says the Government is seeking the Austrian Government’s assent to Herr Von Papen’s appointment. WHOLE WORLD AGAINST GERMANY LONDON, July 27. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Berlin correspondent says: “Herr Hitler’s ad-

visers must have realised that then policy to Austria has turned the whole world against Germany, including Italy, their last friend.” ,

FASCIST-NAZI COALITION STATEMENT BY FRINGE STARHEMBERG VIENNA, July 27. “ The Nazi revolt will bo entirely crushed within a few hours,” declared Prince Starhemberg in an exclusive statement to the ‘ Evening News.’ Asked whether Herr Hitler’s move had made possible a Fascist-Nazi coalition for the governing of Austria, he replied : “ We must wait and see, but in Austria no co-operation is possible with' the Nazis under foreign leadership. Germany’s reconciliation gesture came too late. Time will show whether it is sincere. We shall absolutely ad lie re to Dr Dollfuss’s policy. Indeed, there are no political parties in Austria except patriotic pro-Government groups.” Prince Starhemberg added, regarding the presence of Italian troops on the frontier, that there was no likelihood whatever that it would be necessary or even possible for the Italians to cross the frontier. NAZI BROADCASTS BANNED VIENNA, July 28. The Nazi leader, Herr Frauenfeld, whose arrival hero coincided with the renewal of the anti-Dollfuss activities, Has now been definitely forbidden to broadcast. Herr Neumann, the brains behind the Nazi propaganda, is regarded as the most culpable for the events. He has now disappeared. GERMAN MINISTER'S PART BERLIN, July 27. Herr Reitch, German Minister to Austria, declares that he did not mediate between Dr Dollfuss and his captors, and the Austrian Cabinet members were merely received as witnesses to the agreement, which had already been concluded without his knowledge. Ho did hot act at the behest of the troops, but in conformity with the desire of the Austrian Government in order to prevent tho shedding of the captives’ blood. He adds: “1 acted not as a Minister Plenipotentiary but as a human being.” HERR VON PAPEN APPOINTMENT ACCEPTED BY AUSTRIA VIENNA, July 28. The Cabinet has accepted Herr Vofi Papen, but at present has not decided whether conditions shall be attached to his appointment. Herr Von Papen meanwhile will remain in Berlin. FIERCE FIGHTING IN GARINTHIA NAZIS SURROUNDED VIENNA, July 28. ■ There was fierce fighting with Nazis at their Carinthia headquarters in Bleiberg, with heavy losses on both sides. The Nazis are astonishingly well armed and commanded by a former German officer, Von Rheinsdorf. Government forces finally captured Bieiberg and the N azis retreated towards the Jugoslavian frontier, but permission to enter was refused. Government forces now sur T round the Nazis, and severe fighting is occurring round Sarzburg, where mar? tial law is operating. The casualties are large. HUNDREDS OF NAZIS ARRESTED FATE OF RINGLEADERS AWAITED LONDON, July 29. The Vienna correspondent of the ‘ Sunday Express ’ says: “ Hundreds of Nazis have been arrested in the city,, including many well-known people. Hundreds of thousands of ■ Nazis throughout Austria who did join the premature coup d’etat have been ordered to remain quiet till they see whether the Government hangs the cap tured rebels, when they could justify joining the revolt before the world on the ground of revenge for hanging tbeir comrades. It is understood that the thirty ringleaders of Wednesday’s attempted coup have already been hanged, but fiews is being withheld until Sunday. Will thS Nazis rise when they hear of the executions and plunge Austria into bloodshed again ? ” THE BLEIBERG BATTLE THOUSANDS OF REBELS ARRESTED LONDON, July 29. (Received July 30, at 10.20 a.m.) The Bieiberg battle resulted in heavy casualties and the arrest of thousands of rebels. SITUATION IN BAVARIA CONTROLLED BY GOVERNMENT MUNICH, July 29. (Received July 30, at 10.30 a.m.) The rising of Austrian legionaries in Bavarian towns is regarded as unjikely. The frontier, is quiet. The Governmenthas transferred many Austrian refugees elsewhere, and controls the situation. MARTIAL LAW AT SALZBURG- • VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 30, at 9 a.m.) The fighting in Carinthia largely ended with the capture of Bieiberg, although the Nazis are still entrenched in the neighbourhood of Lavamunde. An outbreak at Salzburg necessitated martial law on the eve of the worldfamous musical festival, which many British and foreigners are attending.

ITALIAN TROOP MOVEMENTS

NOT DIRECTED AGAINST GERMANY BERLIN, July 29. , (Received July 30, at 10.30 a.m.) The papers are only now publishing Italian ■ troop movements, which the 1 Volkischer Beobachter ’ declares cannot be directed against Germany, but merely to protect Italian interests in Austria. Tho spokesman for Herr Hitler declares that Germany will welcome elections in Austria as the only means of clarifying the situation. THE CASUALTY LIST VIENNA, July 29. ' (Received July 30, at 9 a.m,) Herr Karwinsky says that Government forces casualties were seventyeight killed and 165 wounded, but the Nazis’ casualties are not known. GERMAN NEWSPAPERS CRITICISED CARICATURE OF DR DOLLFUSS VIENNA. July 29. (Received July 30, at 9 a.m.) Colonel Adam, chief of propaganda broadcasting, , bitterly criticised German newspapers’ treatment of the rebellion, and described some items as almost unbelievable, including a caricature of Dr Dollfuss at the time of his assassination. He added: “It must be unprecedented to caricature a man in the act of dying.” NAZIFIGATIDN OF AUSTRIA HERR HITLER'S POLICY LONDON, Jqly 29. The * Observer’s * Berlin correspondent suggests that Herr Hitler dare not abandon the Nazification of Austria, which is the main point in his foreign policy, but ho will, probably change his tactics. Herr Von Papen will probably offer tho Austrian Government assurances of cessation of violence if it consents to hold free democratic elections. FURTHER ARRESTS VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 30, at 10 a.m.) Further arrests are Announced, consisting of Inspector Grossman, Karl Huber (director of the Graz Broadcasting Station), Ertl (editor of Deutsche Rundschau ’), Gotzmann (an army officer). and Rintelen (the Ambassador’s son). FEARS OF WAR GROUNDLESS LORD HAILSHAN'S VIEWS LONDON, July 29. ' , (Received July 30, at 11 a.m.) Lord Hailsham (Secretary of State for War) regards the fears of a repetition of 1914 groundless, inasmuch as Europe was then divided into two armed camps, whereas now the whole world is united in condemning the Nazis’ dastardly outrage. CAPITAL IN STATE OF TENSION FEARS OF HEIMWEHR PUTSCH VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 30, at -11 a.m.) The capital is stijl in a state of tension. Heavy guards are retained at all public buildings, particularly the broadcasting station. The latest scare was the apprehension of a Heimwehr putsch, which did not materialise. Major Fey personally denying the possibility of it, and declaring that the Heimwehr, as guarantors of the new Austria, would continue to support the Government. NUMEROUS SKIRMISHES REPORTED VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 30, at 11 a.m.) Further provincial skirmishes occurred at Lampfoohtshausen, where fifteen persons are dead and twenty-five wounded, at Handling, where two soldiets and nine Nazis wore killed; and at Hallein, where two men were killed. Salzburg itself is completely peaceful, aud a full audience is witnessing the musical festival, despite reports, which afterwards proved unfounded, of an engagement between the Reichswehr and Austrian legionaries on German territory opposite .Tufstein. Austrian troops at Lavamunde drove a dozen Nazis to the frontier. The Austrians could not fire because Yugoslavian guards were on their own territory close behind the fugitives. The position was maintained for several hours before the Nazis surrendered, the Yugoslavs in tho meantime supplying fhem with food and drink. MUSSOLINI'S REQUEST DECLINE VON PAPEN'S SERVICES LONDON, July 29. (Received July 30, at noon.) Tho 4 Sunday Times’s ’ Vienna correspondent says: “ The Italian Minister has conveyed to Prince Starhemberg Signor Mussolini’s personal request that he should refuse to accept Herr Vou Papen’s appointment. Signor Mussolini said he considered that the appointment of Von Papen would place ’Austria at a disadvantage in the forthcoming negotiations with Berlin in respect to Austrian independence.”

FRONTIER INCIDENTS

FRANTIC RUSH BY FUGITIVES VIENNA, July 29. ; (Received July 30, at noon.) Amazing scenes were witnessed on the Yugoslav frontier, whither defeated Nazis were fleeing to. escape the Government forces. The bridges were so congested that hundreds plunged into. the turbulent mountain, rivers, carrying their rifles above their beads. The Yugoslav frontier guards, reinforced by troops from Belgrade, disarmed the fugitives. Others, finding the frontier closed, are, entrenching themselves and have blown up bridges and roads,' checking the Government troops’ advance. Other Nazis retreated to secret arsenals in the forest south of Vienna, and occupied mansions which in the past year* had been converted into armed fortresses capable of withstanding attacks for weeks.

FIGHTING IN CARINTHIA HEAVY CASUALTIES VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 80, at noon.) The ‘ Sunday Times’s ’ special correspondent says: “ Carinthia resembles a war zone. The roads are' blocked, and the military ambulances are filled with wounded. Nazi sharpshooters are taking incessant toll of the Government troops. When the full casualty lists are published the Nazi dead will probably total thousands and the Government casualties hundreds. “ Only the Government’s promptitude in wrecking the cable between Broadcasting House and the transmitting station averted the issue of orders for a general Nazi uprising.” AUSTRIA’S iHOEPENDENCE PRINCE STARHEMBERC'S DETERMINATION (British Official Wirelesi.) RUGBY, July 28. (Received July 30, at noon.) A few bands of desperate Nazis remain in the alpine provinces, where conditions make the capture of small mobile parties a difficult task. It will not be surprising if the Government forces take several days to finish completely the cleaning-up process. Elsewhere in Austria, however, order reigns and railway and other public services are normal. Vienna, after recent events, is the breeding place for rumours, although a broadcast made at midnight by Prince Starhemberg served to strengthen public confidence. He declared that Austria’s complete independence would be absolutely maintained. They could consign certain events to the past only if they were guaranteed absolute freedom from outside Interference ih the conduct of their own affairs. Assurances must first be confirmed by deeds. MEETING BY CABINET HERR SpHUSCHNIOG APPOINTED chanceugr VIENNA, July 29. (Received July 30, at 1,33 p.m.) A midnight meeting of Cabinet appointed Herr Schuschnigg Chancellor, Prince Starhemberg Vice-Chancellor, and Major Fey Minister of the Interior. Herr Schuschnigg is a staunch Catholic, but never an extremist in politics, hence his selection.