THE MONARCHY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 June 1936, Page 7

THE MONARCHY

RESTORATION IN AUSTRIA IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT STATEMENT SUGGESTION FOR A PLEBISCITE NO OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE (United Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 17th June, 9.15 a.m.) VIENNA, 16th June. “Die Reichspost” the Government’s organ significantly refers to the possible restoration of the monarchy. “Should the Austrian Government believe that a preponderating majority of the Austrian people desire to express constitutionally its wish for the restoration of the monarchy, then the Government would regard it as purely an internal question concerning Austria alone.” The greates importance is attached to the declaration and early action is predicted.

The “Die Reichspost’s” article, which is regarded in political circles as the most important of the Government post-war intimations, emphasises that the restoration of the Hapsburgs will in no circumstances be carried out by a coup d'etat, which is opposed to Prince Otto’s desire for constitutional methods. Accordingly -..rumours of near restoration are unfounded. It is suggested that a plebiscite will be adopted. The “Reichspost” adds that Prince Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria. Refer-

ring to military discussions among neighbouring, other 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 Prince Otto.” MUSSOLINI BEHIND THE MOVE ? Legitimist circles claim that Signor Mussolini is behind the move to restore the Hapsburgs, which the Duce and Dr. Schuschnigg 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 for negotiations with England and France.

STRONG OPPOSITION FROM LITTLE ENTENTE (Received 17th June, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, 16th June. A Bucharest suggestion is that the 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 which before the war was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. It is recalled that the recent conference of King Carol, Prince Paul, and Dr. Benes resulted in the report that the three issues causing concern, possibly leading to military action, were the Hapsburg restoration, Italian or German interference with Austria, and revision of the frontiers. It is significant that the Little Entente military chiefs are discussing measures for concerted action in Central Europe and the Balkans.

Chancellor Schuschnigg is a Royalist and would like to see the Hapsburgs restored (states the “Christian Science Monitor” in an article dated Vienna, 14th May). The son of a general, he favours the old Austrian military traditions. Though he stands for the independence of Austria he comes from the Tyrol where the people are pronounced pro-German and not friendly to Italy. Thus, the 'eventual co-oper-ation between Chancellor Schuschnigg and the German Reich on the basis of Austrian independence is not considered impossible if he can maintain himself in office. In the confusion of Austria’s present political situation a new social group is appearing which may serve as a sound basis for an independent Austrian state. It is made up of moderate workers and peasants who are democratic in their inclinations, and would prefer 'to live in a small, selfgoverning Austria than in a great, imperialistic Germany, or in an international Soviet Republic. In the last two years an evolution has taken place. The bulk of the peasants have discovered that they are closer to the bulk of the workers than to their autocratic chiefs. No one in Austria has suffered more economically since the overthrow of democracy than the villagers. They find that the dictatorship which they set up is disadvantageous to them. They have come to the verge of revolt. They are the most powerful opposition force in Austria, and they are in deep earnest. They are also organised. They put the absolutists in power, so the absolutists could not summarily dissolve their organisation. They were the only support for the government. | But now that support is disappearing. The regime which set out to save Austria from Hitler and Marx has so weakened Austria that it could not stand alone. It is propped up by outside powers. But a new Austrian bulwark is being built up. It consists of the democratic peasants and the democratic workers. are slowly feeling their way to-

ward co-operation. They are both, against autocracy, against Fascism, and Hitlerism, against corruption, oppression, and violence. Both demand reforms and are determined that their voices shall be heard. The chief persons in this movement are“ the Minister of Social Welfare, Joseph Dobretsberger, and of Agriculture, Ludwig Strobl, and the heads of the state labour unions. These men openly speak of social movements, social classes and social rights. Their uniforms are those of the corporative state, but their voice is that of “labour leaders.” 1 Moreover, world developments assist this trend in Austria. The fact that democratic powers, such as Czechoslovakia, France and England, are protecting Austria’s independence aids democratic tendencies here. Gradually the Austrian peasants and workers are imposing themselves mipre and more upon the Government. Such of the cable news in this issue a 3 is so headed has appeared in “The Times’’ and is sent to this paper bv special permission. It should be understood that the opinions are not those of “The Times” unless expressly stated to be so.,