The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-07-26
10000 TROOPS
 RUSH TO BORDER
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There was great secrecy as to their ultimate destination. All the troops were in full war equipment. They included not only ordinary arms of the service but mountain troops ready to move through Ai- pine passes with great dispatch.
 Ready Long Ago
 The troops were two of three corps that Premier Benito Musso- lini placed there last February. during the socialist revolution, when he announced that he would preserve Austrian independence by force of arms.
 Since the Austrian socialist re- volt in February, 50,000 men of all branches of the military service have been stationed at Trieste. Udine and Bologna, awaiting only his order to move across the frontier.
 Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss was the key to Mussolini's central European policy, and Austria is vital buffer state to Italy.
 If Mussolini decides that Eur ope's peace is threatened by events in or concerning Austria, it was said authoratively, he will act promptly.
 No Mobilization
 The army corps now on the from tier, with the reinforcement of air. planes, were sufficient for an emer- gency. It was denied that there was any approach to mobilization or any need for it. The army was on annual maneuvers. The navy was in the Adriatic. It could hardly be of effective service in any event as Austria has no seaport.
 The newspaper Popolo D'Italia at Milan, which Mussolini owns, pub- lished today an article indicating the premier was awaiting events.
 Italy's central European policy now seems to depend on the atti- tude to be taken on the new chan cellor. But the policy will be based still on Mussolini's determination that Austrian independence shall be preserved.
 Are Picked Troops
 The troops Mussolini has on the frontier are picked for the possible task of going to Austria's aid against Germany or against Aus trian Nazis. They are equipped for fast movements and include noun tain troops and mountain batteries.
 Mussolini will return to Rome to- night from his summer home at Ricciione-where he expected Doll fuss tomorrow night.
 The strength of the army corps sent to the frontier today was es- timated at about 10000 each.
 The foreign office denounced as ridiculous reports published in the United States that Italy was mo. bilizing."
 It was emphasized that no pre- cipitate action would be taken.
 France Is Ready
 Paris, July 26-(UP)-France has offered to take joint action with Italy to preserve Austrian inde- pendence, it was learned today.
 The offer was made last night by Louis Barthou, foreign minister. to the Italian ambassador Count Pignatti.
 Barthou, it was learned, offered to act with Great Britain and Italy combined or with Italy alone--as Italy desired.
 It was evidence of the gravity of the diplomatic situation that most of the European governments were in urgent ter-communication to- day and that throughout last night embassies and legations all over the continuent sent reports and sought advice.
 Nations To Confer
 London July 26-UP)-Consu tations by the British, French and Italian governments were begun here, at Paris and at Rome today as to the advisability of warning Germany to respect Austrian inde- pendence.
 Authorities here were inclined to place grave responsibility on Ger many for azi uprising but Britain was in favor of leaving the initia- tive to Italy unless pressed to join in concerted action.
 The conveyance of Italian troops on the Austrian border was regarded as a warning to Germany but it was doubted that Italy would intervene militarily unless the Nazis seize power in Austria. It appeared possible that the ac- ton of the German minister at Vii ennt, Kurt Keith, in supporting the Nazis might provide a basis for Italian representations to Berlin which France and Britain could support.
 London, July 26--(UP)-Brit- aims attitude in favor of preservas ! ton of the independence and integ. rity Is unchanged, Sir John simon foreign secretary. told the House oi Commons today.