Evening star., 1934-03-15

known to a student of Machiavelli.
The attack on the Social Democrats
IN Vienna was one step in this plan
OF campaign. Support of Austrian
independence under Dollfuss is an
other, The return Of the HapSburgs
may be another. The adherence of
Hungary, which is hostile to the
Hapsburgs If they rule in Vienna, is
still in question.
But what of CzeChoSlovakia and
YugoSlavia? Those are other bits of
the jigsaw puzzle still lying on the
table. Can they be fitted in the new
picture which MusSolini has in mind?
Yugoslavia is immensely suspicious
OF Italian power, but needs Italian
markets. Czechoslovakia is hostile and
suspicious of Austria and Hungary
still claiming their old territories. But
CZechoSlovakia may be still more
afraid of the rising power of Germany
threatening her borders if Austria
goes Nazi. Mussolini in this confer
ence IN Rome will discuss those parts
of the puzzle, but not for publication.
BY economic concessions, which are
desperately necessary among the Dam
ubian states, all paralyzed b ytrade
restrictions, much may be done to
make Italy the center Of a new con-
Stellation. France, racked by internal
disorder, is willing to give Mussolini
clear field provided he prevents Ger
man expansion and a racial union
with Austria.
MuSSolinl at the moment IS the
leader of Europe in this game of
diplomacy in which the fate of mil
lions OF humble men, knowing moth
ing Of all this high play, is deeply
involved even to the point of life
or death.
Meanwhile Mussolini is for peace.
though not at all costs. He is ready
for any plan of general disarmament
He is eager TO persuade France that
her safest policy is to admit Ger
many's equality under a general bond
Of control and defense
Watches Sold by Weight.
I was told by an old man. once
powerful III statecraft. of a fear that
dominates the mind of MusS0!ini. who
is not easily afraid. Il is not a fear
"a w L4ftN - it1 ilAilE al ElI RDt Dul
Of what is happening in the Far East.
He believes peace Is vital between the
nations in Europe because Japan is
getting ready for a high adventure
After ManChuria China If the Eu-
rOpean nations tear themselves to
pieces IN a new war what will happen
when Japan directs the destmieS Of
600 600 900 ASlatlcs?
Already japanese labor and its
products are invading European
markets with irresistible competition
They work 10 hours a day for 6 cents
a day. They are selling watches in
Switzerland for 80 francs a kilogram,
by weight, not by number. Their
goods are in Italian shops.
II Is strange. perhaps, that the mind
Of MussOilnl should range so far when
there are so many troubles near at
hand not only political problems but
the certainty AS he thinks that tls
European peoples Will have to faCs
greater poverty than they have yet
known. But the mind Of MusSoIlni
IS very tar-TeachIng and this must
be said III fairness to his genius
however dangerous It may seem 10
those who hate his character, his
policy and his system He believes
in the tradition Of Europe, IN its
heritage of civilization and in its
need for defense against the Eastern
World
Mussoari is on the side Of peace.
if possible He IS now friendly to
France and fair 20 Germany. Per
haps he VIII build a bridge across
that great gulf He is, III the tradI-
ton Of his Romans a builder Of
bridges. but some Of them and one
is Austria. seem to be weak in their
foundations What Will happen II.
IN year or TWO. Austria Turns to
Germany As her natural ally
There are Two worlds IN Rome the
political and the ecclesiastical and
TWO leaders, Mussolim and The Pope.
I Was told today that the Vatican