REGIME IN AUSTRIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 140, 15 May 1936, Page 9

REGIME IN AUSTRIA.

DR. SCHUSCHNIGG’S POWERS. PRINCE STAR HEM BERG DROPPED. VIENNA, May 14. Dr. Kurt Schnschnigg (Chancellor) has announced that Cabinet has been reconstructed. Dr Schnschnigg now holds the 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 Heimwelir, is no longer in the Cabinet. It is semi-officially stated that the object of the reconstruction is the “strengthening of forces ready to build up an independent Austria.” It is understood that the Cabinet crisis was precipitated by Prince Starhemberg’s telegram of congratulation to Signor Mussolini on May 13. The Vienna correspondent of the Times says that last Sunday’s events, when Prince Starhemberg’s Fascist Heimwelir men demonstrated against the Freedom League, which includes Dr. Scliuschnigg’s supporters, also contributed toward the Cabinet crisis. Dr. Schuschnigg, after a lengthy conference with President Miklas, tendered the Government’s resignation and was immediately charged to form a new one, with a iroe Land in its composition.

In addition to his Ministerial posts, Dr. Schuschnigg has taken over from Prince Starhemberg the command of the Fatherland Front. There are now only three Heimwelir supporters in the" 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 is now under a vertual Schuschnigg dictatorship. Dr. Schuschnigg's victory is interpreted as a decisive setback to Naziism and Fascism. The presence of several Heimwelir Ministers in the new Cabinet is taken as final evidence that Prince Starhemberg is discredited, even among his own lollowers. Dr. Schuschnigg is now in a stronger position among'his own followers than any Chancellor since the war, not even excepting the late Dr. Dolfuss. Dr. Schuschnigg cabled Signor Mussolini that he is not changing Austria’s foreign policy and is determined to maintain the policy of the Rome protocol and improve the interests of the three partners thereto. ■■■■ A Berlin message says well-informed circles are displeased with the events in Austria and fear that intensification of the campaign against Nazi propaganda. Herr Hitler will shortly consider the situation. A Paris message says France is pleased for the same reason that Germany is displeased. STARHEMBERG VISITS ROME. Received May 15, 9.20 a.m. VIENNA, May 14. Prince Starhemberg is leaving for Romo to-night.