ROME PROTOCOLS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 9

ROME PROTOCOLS

AUSTRIA'S SUPPORT MUSSOLINI PLEASED DISMISSED PRINCE FIGHT FOR FASCISM By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received May 17, 0.45 p.m.) ROME. May in Signor Mussolini has telegraphed to the Austrian Chancellor, Dr. Schuschnigg, welcoming his declaration that the new Austrian Cabinet would stand firmly by the Rome protocols between Austria, Hungary and Italy.

II Duce added his most sincere wishes for the continuance of the success of Dr. Schuschnigg's work. To-day Signor Mussolini had a two hours' conference with Prince Starhemberg. It is believed they discussed Dr. Schuschnigg's dismissal of the Prince and the apparent defeat of Fascism. Prince Starheinberg also conferred with Herr Fritz Mandel, head of a big Austrian munitions firm, and a powerful supporter of the Heimwchr, and with other friends, whom he is reported to have told ho intended to fight to the last to prevent tlie disarmament of the Heimwchr. FASCISTS' LOYALTY MESSAGES TO LEADER QUESTION OF DISARMING (Received May 17, 6.45 p.m.) VIENNA, May 16 Prince Starhemberg has sent a message to his followers saying: "Hold fast and in strict discipline remain united and loyal. Long live the Heimwchr and Austria." Tho message is regarded as a reply to tho disbandment of the Heimwchr and as an attempt to reassure its members, who are restless owing to the deposition of Prince Starhemberg. Leaders of the Heimwchr, under the chairmanship of Herr Baarenfels, second-in-command, who also succeeded Prince Starhemberg as Vice-Chancellor, telegraphed to the Prince promising him their unshakeable allegiance and absolute obedience and unity. Various local members of the organisation sent similar messages.

It is believed that the leaders decided to become the "legal opposition." Probably this will result in a Cabinet crisis, as Herr Baarenfels, who is also Minister of the Interior, should be Dr. Schuschnigg's most important collaborator in disarming the Heimwehr. Ihis, however, is now regarded as unlikely without Prince Starhemberg's orders. A new decree provides that the Austrian police in time of war may. be drafted into the Army. It is believed that this is intended to remedy the Army's weakness pending conscription. Tho police at present are being trained in the use of armoured cars, wireless, machine-guns, gas attacks and hand grenades. CHANGES INSTITUTED CHANCELLOR'S EDICTS FASCISTS TO BE DISARMED VIENNA. May 15 The Chancellor of Austria, Dr. Schuschnigg. formally took over leadership of the Fatherland Front to-day in the presence of delegates from semimilitary organisations. He expressed his appreciation of Prince Starhemberg's services, but pointed out that any form of dual Government led to friction and delay. The working classes would be adequately represented in the Fatherland Front, which would not inquire about past political affiliations. Dr. Schuschnigg announced the disarmament of the Fascist Heimwehr by announcing that there must be no armed formations apart from the volunteer militia.

Foreign policy would not be changed. Prince Starhemberg would be placed at the head of an organisation for the protection of mothers so that his name would bo permanently associated with patriotic work.

UNION OF NAZIS

HEADQUARTERS DISCOVERED TOWN IN RHINELAND BERLIN, May 15 The headquarters of the Austrian Nazi Union, numbering 500, have been discovered in the sleepy Rhineland town of Badgodesberg. The legionaries are Nazis who fled from Austria after Herr Hitler's assumption of power. They have been drilled into a smart body of men aud wear brown uniforms.

The legjon is scattered throughout Germany and probably numbers 10,000 under Herman Reschny, with whom Herr Hitler had a lengthy consultation at Easter.