AUSTRIA'S INDEPENDENCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21576, 22 August 1933, Page 8

AUSTRIA'S INDEPENDENCE

Britain and France have protested against Nazi interference in Austria, an interference that has the definite aim of driving that country into federation and under the dominance of Herr Hitler. By virtue of being a party to. the Four Power Pact, Italy has been on the side of Austria to the extent of opposing in principle any attack against her independence. Now, as a result of a conference with Dr. Dollfuss, Signor Mussolini has placed the whole weight of his power and prestige against the German dictator, and, according to the reported agreement with the Austrian Chancellor, lays it down that Germany must desist from any plans to bring about a definite union with Austria. This is the vital consideration of the moment. With so strong a neighbour as an ally of Austria, ftazi aggression, even though it may continue to have sporadic outbursts, must lose its sting and its menace. It will lack confidence, the first essential in any campaign of conquest no matter what its form. The hand of Dr. Dollfuss will be immeasurably strengthened, and, with anxiety removed on the point of independence, he will be able to turn his attention to other aspects of the plan, notably the economic rehabilitation of the States which formerly constituted Austria-Hungary and of Central Europe generally. Naturally the cooperation of the other great nations will be necessary. The fear of Germany has already brought about a new orientation of Danubian policy. Hungary, no longer suspected of endeavouring to restore the Habsburg monarchy, has agreed to close consultation with Austria. The Little Entente Powers are displaying an inclination to abandon the old spirit of distrust, and the time is now more favourable for real progress in the economic field. There remains Hungary's demand for territorial revision. The new map of that part of Europe is bound to be prolific of such claims from time to time, but more important to all the Central States just now than such adjustments is the check that has been given to the menace of Nazi Germany, a check which has every evidence of being effectual.