AUSTRIAN MONARCHY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 209, 17 June 1936, Page 5

AUSTRIAN MONARCHY.

POSSIBLE RESTORATION. A PLEBISCITE SUGGESTED. (United Press Association-Copyright! VIENNA, June 16. The “Reichpost,” the Government’s organ, significantly refers to the possible restoration of the monarchy. It says: “Should the Austriaii Gov—ernment believe that a preponderating majority of the Austrian people de—sires to express constitutionally its wish for the restoration of the man-a-rchy, then the Government would re—gard? it as a. purely internal question, concerning Afustria alone.” The greatest importance is attached to the declaration. Early action is predicted. - . The article, which is regarded in political circles as the ' most important Government postwar intimation, emphasises that the restoration of the Hapsburgs will in no circumstances be carried out by a coup d’etat, which» is opposed to the Archduke Otto’s desire for constitutional methods. Accordingly rumours of a near restoration are unfounded. It is suggested that a plehiscite will be adopted. The “Reichpost” adds: “Archduke Otto would not claim‘the throne ‘Of any country outside Austria.” Referring to military discussions among neighbouring and other countries, it adds: “Every attempt at outside interference Will _ be sharply refused, as no international obligation exists to prevent Austria from choosing her own form of constitution or re calling Archduke Otto.” Legitimist circles claim that Signor Mussolinifis behind the move to restore the Hapsburgs, which 11 Duce and Dr. Schuschnigg (the Chancellor) recently discussed. \Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Goternment and moderate Nazis, with a VleW to removing the German threat to the Brenner Pass, leaving Italy a freer hand in negotiations with Britain and France. '