THE STRUGGLE FOR AUSTRIA

Evening Star, Issue 22596, 13 March 1937, Page 16

THE STRUGGLE FOR AUSTRIA

ITALY'S INFLUENCE PREDOMINANT RESTORATION OF MONARCHY POSSIBLE DR POPPER ANALYSES SITUATION [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 13. Dr K. R. Popper arrived by the Rangitata to-day to take up the position of lecturer in philosophy at Canterbury University College. Thirtytour years old, he was educated in Vienna, but in recent years has been lecturing in London. Interviewed, he said conditions in Austria were very complicated. The main complication was due to the fact that Austria was th© buffer state between Germany and Italy, both of which were endeavouring to establish themselves in Austria. At present the influence of Italy was uppermost, and I taly was accepted more or less officially in Austria. Dr Popper said there was certainly a chance of the restoration of the Hapsburg Monarchy, the present Government being prepared to recall them if its foreign policy would allow of that being done. There was no question at stake of principle. That had been decided. The whole matter was one of foreign policy—i.e.. the effect the restoration would have on the countries surrounding Austria. It was felt by the Little Entente that the return of the Hapsburgs would result in war, but he doubted if the Little Entente was right in that surmise. There was no doubt that the return of the Hapsburgs would probably improve the situation in Austria as far as Germany was concerned, and be in effect a method of holding German influence in check. Th© return of the Monarchy _ would end Germany’s hopes of dominating Austria. Germany wanted Austria. Some people thought that Hitler, himself an Austrian, regarded the winning of Austria to German allegiance as a' matter of honour. Again Germany desired Austria to ensure an adequate supply of raw materials. Austria possessed a variety of steel, and very •good iron which Germany needed. At present the steel works were under the financial influence of German companies, hut it would no doubt bo more convenient for Germany to cover her financial influence with political influence; and, last but not least, Germany desired Austria to enable German influence to extend through the Balkans.