Page:L. W. - Fascism, Its History and Significance (1924).pdf/34

 32 from the exiting social system. The Fascists pursue a policy of "permeating" the trade unions and workshop committees, and have started a few unions of their own, following the usual lines of class-collaboration and nationalism. A national federation of Fascist unions has been set up, whose objects are defined as including the defence of private property, opposition to Marxism, to strikes and boycotts, and to co-operation with international organisations of workers or organisations in any other country. So far the Fascist trade unions appear to have secured the adherence only of those who in any case would be enrolled in the ranks of strike-breakers, and the movement presents but little danger of causing a serious split in the German Trade Unions. The historic value of the Fascist movement to the reactionaries of Germany lies in its role in time of revolution or upheaval. The German Fascists are organised politically in the German Freedom Party, under whose auspices a number of political murders have been carried out, including the famous cases of Erzberger, Rathenau and Maximilien Harden. It has an elaborate underground organisation, including a "Star Chamber," whose orders (such as those for assassinations) are obeyed by the membership.

The Austrian and Hungarian Fascist movements are closely allied. Hungary shares with Italy the distinction of having the oldest Fascist history, and the phenomenon may here be seen in classic simplicity. Following the downfall of the Soviet regime, the bourgeoisie used the lower middle classes (civil servants, officers and Students) to re-establish themselves in power. The principal organisation in Hungary is that of the "Awakening Magyars," which is dominated by well-known nationalist and anti-semitic Christians. Neither in Austria, nor in Hungary, is there a Fascist trade union movement, though in Austria one finds the economic side of the movement represented by a "Union for the Protection of Order and Economic Interests." This began as a purely Strike-breaking body, but has since taken the offensive against the workers at all times. It is famous for its organised provocation and espionage among the workers.

The Austrian movement consists of a number of sections bearing various titles, but having similar aims and methods. They derive their support from financial houses and, it is said, from the government.

In Poland the Fascist organisations (like the Communist) are illegal. There are several such bodies, of which the most active are the Order of Fascists, the Civic League, the National Popular Defence, the Legion for the Protection of the Constitution, and the Committee of Polish Patriots (P.P.P.). The last-named is the most important. Its methods resemble those of the American Ku-Klux-Klan with mystic rites presided over by priests in subterranean churches. The