Evening star., 1922-08-27

with Germany. no mattel how valu-
able such steps might be to Austria.
The Versailles treaty precludes such
eventuality, while France, through
the ipstrumentality of the little en-
tente which she espoused to prevent
the growth of German influence. will
ever stand guard against any union
of the Teutonic peoples. France would
rot be in the slightest degree loath
in reaching direct rapprochement
with Vienna if. on the other hand. the
French could. through financial adj
,ances. gain paramount polltical IN
'Iluence within Austria. thereby for
ever killing all agitation looking to-
ward union of the Teutons. SO long
advocated and plotted by Ludendorn.
Tris is indicated by the French inV1-
tation to Chancellor Seipel to visit
paris and confer with French foreign
office officials in regard to the gen.
.ral situation and with a view to les
SEEMING the moral and social hazards
involved in Austria's present plight
Opposition From Italy.
Though France at the moment is
diligently maneuvering to strengthen
her political influence throughout Eu-
rope and to hedge Germany about
with friends of France, in order to
preclude Germany's aggression in fu-
ture years, it is becoming plain that
the French are to meet strong oppo-
sition. and this will come from Italy.
Italy is the natural enemy of the
Austrians. wars through past CEN
turtles bearing mute witness, but it is
a known fact that Italy would today
extend aid to the Austrians and strive
TO save the situation If given a free
IN
London, few weeks back said the
Italian army would be used il neces-
sary to prevent Austria's union with
Germany.
Italy today is suspicious Of Frances
endeavor to bring the Austrians with
in the little entente, which in large
,ueasure is influenced by France.
Rather than see Austria become a
rassal to Balkan interests inimical
- Italy. Italy herself would succor
,he peoples from whom she has suf-
5ered most. Though it has been an
nounced in Rome that Italy will go
I" the rescue of Austria and that the
Duke of Aosta will become viceroy,
such reports can not be given cred
ance at the moment, for there is GER
tain to be further and prolonged
Alash between French and Italian In
1erests before any settlement is
,eached. The known antipathy Of the
French and Italians will! not In the
lcast ease the present situation. In
fact. it will heighten the conflict that
surely will rage.
Suspect Allied Promises.
II Is significant that Chancellor
Feipef of Austria should first turn to
$erlin, Prague and Rome for solu-
Hon to the present plight OF the Aus
Srians rather than to Paris or London.
ns a matter Of fact. after two years
IF fruitless promises from the allies.
THE Austrians expect no direct sup
port whatever from Paris and London.
in fact, they suspect that the foreign
offices of England and France are
ready to premit Austrian collapse in
brder to further their own individual
ends This suspicion Is particularly
directed against France. and 1t is
more than likely that italian purposes
will be furthered by this very an
|tipathy. Notwithstanding the fact
that the Italians took a great section
b. the Tyrol from the Austrians un-
ter the treaties of peace and brought
tbout union Of hundreds of thousands
kf Italians and Germans with King
hictor's realm, enmity created there |
sy is subsiding in favor of further
Extension of Italian influence. 1t is
believed in Vienna that Austria at
3east would gain square deal from
The Italians. At least. there would
fe less liability of clashes with the
little entente, which, to say the least,
Is suspected of keen desires in the
way Of gobbling and dividing the
whole Of Austria. The fact that the
have small fear OF Italian
is indicated by the
ktatements of Count Czernfn. the
most far-seeing statesman In Austria
Sodav. who declares financial and eco
homie union with italy Is to be de-
Fired above all others, and this Is
mucb for the venerable Austrian
ktatesman to say, for he long has
khamnioned union with Germany.
While the peoples Of Austria are
htarving, while industry ana enter
Srise have resolved themselves into
mad fight for mere existence. the
Surrounding countries are advancing
3ndjvidualistic interests. But in all
Nepotjations plottings and counter
scbeminrs the essential fact remains
That without league of nations inter
Tereuce in Austria or direct action
3ron, other unexpected sources the
contest : to gain the upper hand IN
k1o6ia,lie France and Italy,