THRONE OF AUSTRIA

Evening Star, Issue 22367, 17 June 1936, Page 11

THRONE OF AUSTRIA

RESTORATION OF THE HAPSBURGS A PLEBISCITE POSSIBLE Press Association —By Telegraph Copyright VIENNA, June 16. The ‘ Reichspost, ’ the Government’s organ, significantly refers to a possible restoration of the monarchy. “ Should the Austrian Government believe that a preponderating majority of the Austrian people desires to express constitutionally its wish for a restoration of the monarchy,” the article says, “ the Government would regard it as a purely internal question concerning Austria alone.” The greatest importance is attached to the declaration, and early action is predicted. The ‘ Reichspost’s, ’ article, which is regarded in political circles as the most important Government intimation since the war, 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 an early restoration are unfounded. It is suggested that a plebiscite will be adopted. The ‘ Reichspost ’ adds: “ The Archduke Otto would not claim the throne of any coufitry outside Austria.” Referring to the military discussions among neighbouring and other countries. the ‘ Reichspost ’ adds: “ Every attempt at outside interference will be sharply refused, as no international obligation exists preventing Austria from choosing her own form of constitution or recalling the Archduke Otto.” Legitimist circles claim that Signor Mussolini is behind the move to restore the Hapsburgs, which the Duce and Dr Schuachnigg recently discussed. Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Government and tbe moderate Nazis, with a view to removing the German threat to the Brenner Pass, leaving Italy a freer hand in negotiations between Britain and France. THE LITTLE ENTENTE OPPOSED TO RESTORATION. BUCHAREST, June 16, The suggested restoration of the Hapsburgs will be most strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially Yugoslavia, as the Hapsburgs have never renounced their claims to territory in the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is recalled that the recent conference between King Carol, Prince Paul, and Dr Benes resulted in a report that the three issues causing concern and possibly leading to military action were the Hapsburg restoration, Italian or German interference in Austria, and a revision of frontiers. It is significant that the Little Entente military chiefs are discussing measures for concerted action in Central Europe and the Balkans.