Austrian Zionists May Run Own Ticket in Elections in View of New Cabinet’s Complexion

In view of the political situation created by the formation of a minority cabinet by the Christian-Socialist leader, Dr. Karl Vaugoin. Austrian Zionists may put their own political party into the field for the general elections on November 9 with Dr. Robert Stricker, Radical Zionist chieftain and editor of the Neue Welt, as their candidate for parliament. While there are no hopes that he will be elected, a Zionist ticket would, it is believed, at least neutralize the Jewish vote, as the Jewish voters now stand helpless and undecided between the cross-fire of the two leading and competing parties, the Social Democrats and the Christian-Socialists.

In the meantime, the inclusion of two leaders of the Heimwehr, Austria’s private nationalist army, in the Vaugoin cabinet is causing a certain consternation in Jewish circles because this cabinet will rule Austria while parliament is not in session. Nevertheless it is hoped that the ministers of the coalition cabinet will carry out the responsible policy of the entire government.

Dr. Vaugoin becomes chancellor and minister of war in the new government with the former Chancellor Ignaz Seipel as foreign minister. Prince Ernest von Starhemberg, close friend of Adolf Hitler and leader of the Heimwehr, is the new minister of the interior, while Dr. Franz Hueber becomes minister of justice. The latter’s appointment has created particular uneasiness among the Jews because of his recent anti-Semitic address at Salzburg.

The Austrian Liberal press is divided in its reaction to the new cabinet, the Freie Presse doubting the advisability of entrusting to the Heimwehr such important ministries as those of justice and interior. The Weiner Journal, on the other hand, emphasizes that the Heimwehr, in joining the constitutional front particularly with its leader in a cabinet post, has moderated its views on anti-Semitism.