CONDITIONS IN AUSTRIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19888, 18 May 1936, Page 7

CONDITIONS IN AUSTRIA.

"REMAIN UNITED.” PRINCE STARHEMBERG’S MESSAGE CABINET CRISIS PROBABLE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel.- Copyright 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 Helmwehr and Austria.” The message is regarded as a reply to the disbandment of the Heimwelir and as an attempt to reassure its members, who are restless owing to the deposition of Prince Starhemberg. Leaders of the Heimwehr, under the chairmanship of Herr Baarenfels, sec-ond-in-command, who also succeeded Prince Starhemberg as Vice-Chancel-lor, telegraphed to the Prince promising him their unshakeable allegiance and absolute obedience and unityVarious 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. This, however, is now regarded ns 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. The police at present are being trained in the use of armouredcars, wireless, machine-guns, gas attacks and hand grenades.

AUSTRIA, HUNGARY AND ITALY STANDING BY THE PROTOCOLS. IL DUCE’S GRATIFICATION. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. ROME, May 16. 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. 11 Duco 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 Starhemberg also conferred ■with Herr Fritz Mandel, head of a big Austrian munitions firm, and a powerful supporter of tlie Heimwehr. and wilh other friends, whom lie is reported Io have fold he intended fo fight In Hie lasi Io prevent the disarmament of -the Heimwehr,