AUSTRIAN LEADERS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 142, 18 May 1936, Page 7

AUSTRIAN LEADERS.

DIFFICULT SITUATION. POSSIBLE CABINET CRISIS. VIENNA, May 16. Prince Starhemberg, leader of the Heimwehr, who has just been dropped from Dr. Kurt Schuschnigg’s Cabinet, lias sent a message to his followers: “Hold fast, and in strict discipline remain united and loyal. Long live tlio Heimwehr and Austria.” The message is regarded as a reply to the intended disbandment and an attempt to reassure Heimwehr members who arc restless owing to Prince Stnrhemberg’s deposition. Heimwehr leaders, under tho chairmanship of Major Baarenfels, second in command, who also succeeded Prince Starhemberg as Vice-Chancellor, telegraphed to Princo Starhemberg promising unsliakeablo allegiance, absolute obedience and unity. Various local Heimwehr members have sent similar messages to Prince Starhemberg. It is believed that the leaders decided to become a “legal opposition,” which will probably result in a Cabinet crisis, as Major Baarenfels is also Minister of the Interior and should be Dr. Schuschnigg’s most important collaborator in the disarmament of the Heimwehr which, however, is now regarded as unlikely without Prince Starhemberg’s orders. A new decree provides that Austrian police may in wartime be drafted into the army. It is believed that it is intended to remedy the Army’s weakness ponding conscription. Polico aro at present being trained iu the use of armoured cars, wireless, machine-guns', gas attacks and hand grenades. ITALIAN INTEREST. MESSAGE FROM DUCE. ROME, May 16. Signor Mussolini has telegraphed to Dr. Schuschnigg welcoming his declaration that the new Austrian Cabinet would stand firmly by the Rome protocols between Austria, Hungary, and Italy. He added, “Sincerest wishes for a contiiiuanco of tho success of your work.” Signor Mussolini had a, two-hour conference with Prince Starhemberg, and is believed to have discussed Dr. Schusehnigg’s dismissal of the latter and the apparent defeat of Fascism. Prince Starhemberg also conferred with Herr Fritz Mandl, head of tho big Austrian munitions firm and a powerful supporter of tho Heimwehr, and other friends, whom he is reported to have told that lie intended to fight to the last to prevent the disarmament of the Heimwehr.