THE HAPSBURGS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 168, 17 June 1936, Page 11

THE HAPSBURGS

RETURN TO THE THRONE. AUSTRIAN ’PRESS ARTICLE. PURELY INTERNAL ISSUE. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) VIENNA, June 16. The Reiclispost, the Government’s organ, significantly refers to a possible restoration of the monarchy. “Should the Austrian Government believe that a preponderating majority of Austrian people desires to express constitutionally us wish lor a restoration of the monarchy, then the Government would regard it as a purely internal question concerning Austria alone,” it states. The , greatest importance is attached to tho declaration, and early action is predicted. The Keichspost’s article, which is regarded in political circles as the most important Government intimation since the war, emphasises that tho restoration of the Hapsburgs will in no circumstances bo carried out by a coup d’etat, which would bo opposed to the Archduke Otto’s desire lor constitutional methods. Accordingly, rumours of an early restoration are unfounded, and it is suggested that a plebiscite will lie adopted. The Reiclispost adds that Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria. Referring to military discussions among neighbouring and other, countries, it adds that “every attempt at outside interference will ho 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 Kurt Schuscluiigg recently discussed. Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Government and moderate Nazis with a view to removing the German threat to the Brenner Pass, leaving Italy a freer hand in negotiations with Britain and France.

Bucharest reports suggest that a restoration of the Hapsburgs will be most strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially Yugoslavia, as the Hapsburgs have never renounced their claims to the territory of the pre-war Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is recalled that the recent conference of King Carol, Prince Paul and M. Bones resulted* in a report that three issues causing concern and possibly leading to military action were the Hapsburg restoration, Italian or German interference in Austria, and revision of the frontiers. It is significant that Little Entente military chiefs are discussing measures for concerted action in Central Europe and the Balkans.