The Gisborne Times WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1936. CRITICAL DAYS FOR AUSTRIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12865, 20 May 1936, Page 4

The Gisborne Times WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1936. CRITICAL DAYS FOR AUSTRIA.

It seems a great pity that so much unrest persists in Austria, for that country has become :.t potential storm area likely to involve most- of its neighbors. Whilst Germany continues Nazi propaganda within its coniines Italy is out to convert its people as adherents of Fascism. The most unhappy feature of the Austrian political system is that the president remains merely a figure-head. For some time past, the two next highest .political heads—Dr. Schusclinigg (Chancellor) and Prince von Starhemberg (Vice-Chancellor) have been at variance and now the former lias jettisoned the latter from his post. Dr. Schusehnigg’s aim all along lias been to consolidate the nation on the lines of a religious State. Whilst anxious that Austria should not fall out with Italy, he is just as keen that Nazism shall not become predominant. But lie has been very considerably hampered by Prince von Starhemberg. who is more pio-i'ascist and pro-Hi tier than clerical in liis leanings. Strange as it may appear both had built up “■private” armies side by side. Dr. Sehusehnigg, having secured the dismissal from oiliec of Prince von Starhemberg lias now laid it down that the Heim well rj which the latter claims to control, shall be disbanded. The present position is reminiscent in that regard of what transpired in Germany two years ago when President Hitler decided that the Brown Shirts were an unwanted organisation and got. rid of them. In this connection it should be noted that Dr. Schusehnigg cannot claim to be as strong in Austria, as President Hitler had become in Germany. Such being the ease, it may prove that a very delicate situation has arisen in Austria. What is significant is that, during his recent visit to Rome, Prince von Starhemberg was advised by Signor Mussolini not to precipitate a firstrate crisis by counselling violent resistance to Dr. Schuscluiigg’s decree with reference to the Hciimvolir. It is evident that. II Dace fears that Germany would not be able to resist tho temptation to mtrrvorip if civil and military uiirest to an appreciable extent should break out in Austria. What may lie recalled is that, some years ago.' before President Hitler’s advent, Germany attempted to force a customs' union upon Austria, fait moral suasion by tho League of Nations in opposition to the move acted as.a. bar. If any attempt should today 1)0 made to irivade Austria’s sovereignty, tho League would; of course,, be entitled to take a blind. But would p fail to restrain Germany, just as it failed to halt Italy’s advance into Ethiopia anil Japan’s unwarranted invasion into Northern China? Austria, owes a duty to the League not to eiw gage in civil arid military unrest. If R had not. borin'that the Leaguo guaranteed financial and cconoiriic aid to Austria 'after tho Great War,, she could never havo got back again on her feet'. Common-sense should dictate to 'Austria - that’ she should sttfnd by Britain. Frarice and Italy, which provided the loans to her under guarantee'h.v the League. It has keen said of Austria tluit slie is (as it were) a “percussion cap” in a very 'heav'd yi-cliarged Europe. .Germany would'require only to strike and Central Europe would' at once he . m -flames.-' Let it be trusted that Prince von* Stnihemkerg will allow wise counEols to prevail arid refrain from inciting Germany to interfere in' Austria s. 'domestic affairs. _ •