Abstract

Austria: Test for the Coalition

The article presents an analysis of the contemporary political situation in Austria. It throws light on the situation in Central Europe at the point where present lines of force appear to converge. An average intelligent Austrian Catholic finds good cause for hope that Austria will become a bridge rather than a barrier between Soviet Russia and the Western democracies. The first product of the new situation in Austria is the Provisional Government of Karl Renner, which is really the kind of government political realists have wanted for Austria since 1930. It has been said that the new Austrian government violates an agreement entered into by Russia and the two Western powers that Austria should be administered for the time being by an inter-Allied commission.