Evening star., 1936-05-17


the reins OF the Austrian goUern-
1nent, ordered all military organtza-
tions disSolued, ercept the army.
Quickly he sought the goodwill OF
the dictator to the South, Benlto
Mussolini of Italy, and called into
conference NG2i Germdny'S min
lister, Franz pon Pdpen. Trade ana
political ties threaten a reriual OF
the pre-udr triple alliance.
BY the Associated Press.
VIENNA, May 16.-Austrian pro-
yincial leaders tonight dispatched
pledge of loyalty and obedience to
Prince Ernst Won Starhemberg, ousted
vice chancellor.
The message, sent to Rome, where
Starhemberg tonight obtained an au-
dience with Premier Mussolini, FUR
ther clouded the political picture.
One leader of the princes Helm-
wehr, or private army, in private
conversation with the Associated Press
correspondent, used the dread words
'civil war;
Signed by Vice Chancellor Eduard
Baar- -Baarenfeld. the telegram said:
Provincial leaders of the Austrian
HeimatSchutZ, gathered in accordance
with your command under my chair
manship, declare in their own name
and in the name of all their comrades
that they remain firm in their loyalty
and unconditional obedience to you.
We remain united and true in con-
slant discipline. He'll Starhemberg!
Holds Vice ChancelIorship.
Baar- -Baarenfeld became vice chan
cellor early Thursday. when Chan
cellor Kurt Schuschnigg ousted the
Fascist prince from that post.
Heimwehr circles at the same time
disclosed that provincial units, fore
most in the formation, were maSsing
guns in their barracks.
This is only friendly demonstra-
ton or rehearsal" Heimwehr leader
confded. Some 100000 organized
Heimwehrmen are ready to be called
to arms at moments notice.
We hope, however, general alarm
will not be necessary, for Austria
knows what civil war means"
The provincial leaders. in lengthy
conferences here, displayed consider
able agitation at word passed among
them that "Schuschnigg is trying to
reach an agreement with Germany,
and wants to sell out Austria to the
Nazis"
Reports that Mussolini has dropped"
the prince circulated through the
capital, creating mixed feelings.
Newspapers played up messages
from II Duce and Julius GoemboeS,
the Hungarian premier, to Schusch-
nigg, stressing friendship and good
wishes.
Army Backs Schuschnigg.
Friends of the administration called
the Heimwehr declaration merely
strong words in an attempt to keep up
its courage.
They said the regular army was
ready for any contingency.
However, a Heimwehr spokesman
declared
"Schuschnigg is dictator by Star
hembergs grace.
THE new cabinet can be over
thrown whenever Starhemberg so de-
cides. Starhemberg ordered the min
lister of interior and the minister of
finance (both Heimwehr mem to re-
main in the cabinet to prevent
Schuschnigg and his wicked DEM
ocrat friends from declaring the Heinz
wehr illegal.
That was the real purpose OF
Schuschniggs miscalculated cabinet
putsch on Starhemberg.
"Starhemberg will have chance to
discuss the situation with Mussolini
The conferences here with Baar-
Baarenfeld were aimed at prevent
ing Schuschnigg from dissolving the
Heimwehr."
Monarchists Active.
On another front the Monarchist
move to hand the Austrian throne
back to the Hapsburg family took
new life tonight in the absence OF
the deposed vice chancellor, Prince
Ernst Won Starhemberg.
Archduchess Adelaide, the elder
(see AUSTRIA. Page A-12)