VIENNA.
From Our Own Correspondent
Vienna has at lasi got rid of its Conununist Pollee Chief. This is a triumph!
The Austrian Catholic Chancellor, Dr. Figl, leader of the People's Party, has transferred Dr. Durrmayer, the Communist Police Chief, to Salzb mg, in the American Zone, as head of the Police Department there. Durrmayer, an old Communist, returned to Vienna from Russia when the Russians reached that city in 1945. His job was to establish the all-'mportant Police Department. With Wm came 50 other Austrian prisoners of war, all trained for the job, " convinced and reliable" Communists.
They organised a section which has been dealing mainly with the pursuing of Nazi criminals and the control of Nazi activities.
It soon became clear that the State Police Department in Vienna was acting as an intelligence body Jar the Communist Party.
All attempts to hamper their activities by high police officials not belonging to the Communist Party were foiled by Dr. Durrmayer, who is himself a member of the Central Committee of the Austrian Communist Party. Dr. Durrmayer had the strong support of the Russian occupying forces.
The Socialist Minister of the Intenor last week joined forces witlg others who felt the situation to bt impossible, and Dr. Durrmayer was
transferred. His post has been taken in Vienna by Dr. Peterlunger, a supporter of the People's Party.
In Salzburg. Dr. Durrmayer's activities will he circumscribed. There are very few Communists in the area, • and the country Government is in the hands of the People's Party. The occupying forces are Americans.