The Future in Austria There are two essential conditions for
the salvation of Austria, the absence of any active foreign intervention and a resolute policy of conciliation on the part of the Government. The Three-Power declaration by this country, France and Italy, regarding the necessity of maintaining Austria's integrity and independence was intended to diminish the danger of intervention, but Germany, Italy and the Little Entente are all disturbingly interested in the future of Austria and wise and restrained statesmanship will be called for in many quarters if serious friction is to be avoided. But even more immediate is the internal problem. That is essentially Austria's own concern, but the British Minister at Vienna was fully justified in representing to Dr. Dollfuss, as he did, the wisdom of a policy of clemency. That, it seems clear, accords with the Chancellor's own inclination, but it is doubtful how far the Chancellor is his own master, and doubtful equally whether the conflict in Vienna has not embittered feeling too completely for any early appeasement. The ideal would be some form of govern- ment of national union, in which Socialist participation would be essential. But when the Socialists offered Dr. Dollfuss their support against the Nazis the Heimwehr compelled him to repulse them, and it will be hard for him to enlist it with success now. The complete raising of martial law is. a good beginning. There have been tOo many executions already. If the Chancellor has the. strength as well as the wisdom to broaden the basis of his government there may be hope for Austria yet. * * *
