NEV S OF THE WEEK
THE smoke enshrouding Vienna has only begun to roll away as we go to press. But the fact that Ehe Nazi coup has to all appearance failed is of immense importance. The crisis may only be postponed, but at least there is a breathing-space, and no excuse is created for precipitate action on the part of any of Austria's neighbours. If the new Government, headed, it is to be supposed, by Prince Starhemberg, acts with the firmness with which it has begun under the temporary leadership of Herr Schuschnigg, continuity in administration may be achieved and disorders of any magnitude prevented. Unhappily the harvest of the February attack on the Socialists is being reaped today. With co-operation between them and the Government Nazi insurgency might long. ago have been checked. And even now the capacity of Prince Starhemberg to conciliate the Socialists may be doubted, even if the desire exists. Apart from the personal tragedy of Dr. Dollfuss' death—death has been waiting for him round. every corner for the past twelve months and more—it removes from the scene the one man who was ever believed capable of steering Austria through her perils. Whether he was actually indispensable to Austria remains to be demonstrated. History records too many instances of the occasion reveal- ing the unexpected man for despair at the irreplaceability of Dollfuss to have any justification yet.
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