Page:The New Europe - Volume 4.djvu/186

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The New Europe]
[23 August 1917

AUSTRIA: A STUDY IN CONFUSION

Bavaria and Silesia which would exhibit Russian, French, Polish, and British sympathies, but never any pro-German feelings.” With regard to the Germans of Bohemia, he declares that “the Slav demand for so-called ‘equal rights’ of both languages in all parts of Bohemia means the appointment of Czech as well as German officials, and this the Germans unconditionally reject. This sums up the position now and as it was before war broke out. The war has only accentuated national dissensions instead of placating them for the benefit of the State. The Government appears, therefore, to be confronted with a problem which cannot possibly be solved to the satisfaction of both parties, as they are faced with the choice of the bitter opposition of either the Germans or the Czechs. The traditional system of dodging and muddling through (das Fortwursteln und Durchfretten) usually results in the opposition of both parties. For the solution of this question also the result of the war ought to be of great and perhaps decisive importance, and it is significant that the Czech National Council rejects all participation in the revision of the Constitution, and wants to bring the Czech question before the Peace Conference, and thus to make it an international question.” The writer states in conclusion that “the Austrian Germans, whom we may divide into a court aristocracy with Anglo-Roman culture and taste, a capitalist bourgeoisie steeped in Jewish influence, and a Nationalist, Socialist and Christian-Social democracy, ought to be able to preserve the German character and the unity of Austria if they hold together. They need Germany’s support, without which they cannot exist unless they are treacherous to German interests. No other political attitude is possible for them. A renewal of the Great-German plan under the leadership of Vienna need be feared as little as an anti-German Coalition in which Austria would participate.” Such is the situation at the present moment. The Austrian Germans are resolved to remain Prussia’s Allies, for they need her support in order to be able to oppress the Slavs. On the other hand, the Czecho-Slovaks and Jugoslavs perfectly understand each other and are determined, with the aid of the Allies, to achieve their national unity and independence of Berlin, Vienna and Budapest. In these circumstances can any sober man continue to plead for the preservation of the greatest realm which Germany has annexed during the war, namely, Austria-

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