The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1933. THE STRENGTHENING OF AUSTRIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 114, Issue 19052, 16 September 1933, Page 4

The Waikato Times SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1933. THE STRENGTHENING OF AUSTRIA.

The pressure of Nazi propaganda upon Austria seems to have given to that country a sense of unity which could not have been developed from internal efforts to revivify the spirit of nationalism. The position of the Chancellor, Dr. Dollfuss, is daily growing stronger and there is a prospect that in the struggle to resist Nazi dictation he will succeed in welding Austria into a compact national unit.

The latest information from Vienna is to the effect that the Heimwehr, or National Militia, has declared unreservedly for the leadership of Dr. Dollfuss. The previous conditions imposed by Prince Starhemberg, leader of the Heimwehr, for the suppression of the Social Democrats and the appointment of a State Commissioner have been withdrawn in an unconditional acceptance of Dr. Dollfuss. The Chancellor’s position is immeasurably strengthened by the proclaimed allegiance of the Heimwehr, since this was the only body outside the regular army which was likely to cause him concern. As for the army itself, an order on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, for the provision of a crucifix in every barracks, is a significant indication of the trend towards a national-cum-religious movement. While it is not to be expected that the spiritual aspect of such a movement will count for much, it is nevertheless obvious that, some form of emotional appeal is necessary to combat the insidious Germanic propaganda of the Nazi broadcasts. Dr. Dollfuss has shown a fine degree of diplomacy in providing Austria with a cause and a symbol for the resistance of Nazism. What is more the emphasis on religion is of itself a subtle form of introducing condemnation of the anti-Catholic crusade in Germany at the same time linking Austria more closely with the Vatican and indirectly with Fascist Italy.

The appeal addressed to the country l*y the Social Democrats, in which they state their willingness to co-operate in the economic restoration of Austria is another victory for Dr. Dollfuss. From this party he was likely to encounter the strongest opposition, but it appears that they have been won over. There still remains the danger that the movement initiated for the resistance of aggressive propaganda may take a form which may be difficult to control, as happened in Germany, when the first excesses against the Jews rapidly developed into an uncontrolled wave of persecution. However, there are certain safeguards in the fact that Austria is economically dependent on the good offices of the Great Powers, which can effectively intervene should the need arise. It is clear that Austria is anxious to preserve the friendship of Britain and Italy, and it treasonable to suppose that the campaign of resistance against Germany will be q?/efully watched by the Austrian administration as well as by foreign governments.