AUSTRIAN MONARCHY

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 June 1936, Page 7

AUSTRIAN MONARCHY

EARLY RESTORATION ? GOVT. PRESS INTIMATION [by CABLE—PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] VIENNA, June 16. The “Reichs Post,” Government organ, significantly refers to the possibility of the restoration of the Austrian monarchy. It says: “Should tile Austrian Government believe that the preponderation majority of the Austrian people desire to express, constitutionally, its wish for the restoration of the monarchy, then the Government would' regard it as being purely an internal question, and one concerning Austria alone.’’ The greatest importance is attached to this paper’s declaration, early action being predicted. MUSSOLINI BEHIND MOVE. (Reed. Juno 17. S a.m.) LONDON. June 16. “The Reichpost’s” article, which is regarded in political circles as the most important Government post-war intimation, emphasises that the resstoration of the Habsburgs, will in no circumstandes be carried out by a coup d’etat. wnich is opposed to Otto's desire for constitutional methods. Accordingly, rumours of a near restoration are unfounded. It is suggested that a plebiscite will be adopted.

The “Reichspost” adds: Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria. Referring to the military discussions among other neighbouring countries, it adds: Every attempt at outside interference will be sharply refused, as no international obligation exists preventing Austria choosing her own form of constitution, or recalling Otto. Legitimist circles claim that Mussolini is behind the move to restore the Habsburgs, which the Duce and Chancellor Schuschnigg recently discussed. Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Government and the moderate Nazis, with a view to removing the German threat to Brenner Pass, leaving Italy a freer hand in the negotiations with Britain and France.

The suggestion of a restoration of the Habsburgs, will be most strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially Yugo-Slavia, as the Habsburgs never renounced claims to the territory of the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is recalled that the recent conference between King Carol, Prince Paul, and M. Benes, resulted in a report that the three issues causing concern, possibly leading to military action were the Habsburg restoration, Italian or German interference with Austria, and revision of frontiers. It is significant that the Little Entente military chiefs are discussing measures for concerted action in Central Europe, and the Balkans.