PARTIES IN AUSTRIAN

Wairarapa Age, 15 February 1934, Page 4

PARTIES IN AUSTRIAN

Although it is clear that- in the armed conflict on a serious settle that has suddenly broken out in Austria Socialists are arrayed against the Government forces, the precise issues at stake are by no means clearly defined; Though there are predictions of the imminent establishment of a Fascist State, the Nazis are described 1 as remaining in the background and what part, if any, they had in precipitating the conflict is not indicated". The Chancellor, Dr. Dollfuss, has of late exercised something of the powers of a dictator and his political' position is somewhere between those of the Nazis and of the more extreme Socialists. Dr. Dollfuss is leader of r the Christian Socialist Party. As long ago as last September, he declared that the only solution of Austria’s internal and external differences lay im the creation of a Fascist State • somewhat along Italian lines. Repudiating parliamentary system, as well as “-liberalism, ” “capitalism” and “Socialist misguidance,” he foreshadowed as his ideal a corporate, authoritarian and Christian State. On the same occasion he rejected the Nazi methods of 4‘coordination,” terror and concentration camps, but he has since been accused of adopting these method's on a limited scale. Although his Cabinet blames the Socialists for the present conflict, he may now be accused of having adopted methods of force and terrorism without reservation. On the whole, .it seems likely that the tragic events of the last day or two in Austria must be attributed rather to internal and domestic dissensions than to the effects of German Nazi propaganda and penetration. The Heimwehr, for instance, a powerful organisation which is cooperating actively with the Government forces against the Socialists, demands some kind of Fascism, but not of the German variety. Whatever the outcome may be from the standpoint of the internal order and interests of Austria, it seems likely that her Government will be as little inclined as ever to submit to German domination and dictation.