UNFOUNDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1936, Page 7

UNFOUNDED.

HAPSBURG RUMOURS. Significant Government Press Article. AUSTRIA ALONE TO DECIDE. United Press Association. —Copyright. VIENNA, June 10. The "Reichspost," the Austrian Government's organ, in a significant article, refers to the possible restoration of the monarchy. The paper says: "Should tiie Austrian Government believe that a preponderating majority of the people of Austria desire to express in a constitutional manner their wish for the restoration of the monarchy, then the Government would regard it as a purely internal question concerning Austria alone." The greatest importance is attached to this declaration and early action is predicted. The "Reichspost" article, which is regarded in political circles as the Government's most important intimation since the Great War, emphasises that the restoration of the Hapsburgs will in no circumstances be carried out by a coup d'etat, which would be opposed to the Archduke Otto's desire for constitutional methods. Accordingly rumours of a restoration in the near future are unfounded. It is suggested that a plebiscite will be adopted. The "Reichspost" adds that Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria. All Interference Refused. Referring to military discussions among neighbouring and other countries, the paper adds: "Every attempt at outside interference will be sharply refused, as 110 international obligation exists to prevent Austria choosing her own form of Constitution or recalling Otto." Legitimist circles claim that Signor Mussolini is behind the move to restore the Hapsburgs, which II Duce and Dr. Scluischnigg recently discussed. Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Government and the moderate Nazis with a view to removing the German threat to the Brenner Pass, leaving Italy a freer hand for negotiations with Britain and France.

A message from Bucharest says the suggestion for the restoration of the Hapsburgs will be very strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially Yugoslavia, as the Hapsburgs never renounced their claims to the territory of the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire.

It is recalled that the recent conference between King Carol of Rumania, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, and Dr. Benes of Czecho-Slovakia, resulted in a report that three issues were causing concern which possibly would lead to military action. Those were:—A Hapsburg restoration, Italian or German interference in Austria, and a revision of the frontiers. It is significant that the Little Entente's military chiefs are discussing measures for concerted action between Central Europe and the Balkans.