AUSTRIA’S FUTURE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22909, 17 June 1936, Page 9

AUSTRIA’S FUTURE

RETURN TO A MONARCHY A SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT EARLY PLEBISCITE LIKELY (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) VIENNA, June 10. (Received June 10, at 8.5 p.m.) 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 restora-

tion of the monarchy,” the article says, “ the the Government would regard it as a purely internal questions concerning Austria alone.”

The greatest importance is attached to the declaration, and early action is predicted.

RESTORATION OF HAPSBURGS

CONSTITUTIONAL METHODS PROPOSED ITALIAN INFLUENCE APPARENT VIENNA. June 10. (Received June 17, at 0.18 a.m.) The Rcichspost'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 bo 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 Rciehspost adds: “The Archduke Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria.” Referring to the military discussions among neighbouring and other countries, the Rciehspost 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 Ducc and Dr Schusehnigg recently discussed. Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the. Austrian Government and the 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.

OPPOSITION TO MOVE ATTITUDE OF LITTLE ENTENTE BUCHAREST, June Hi. (Received June 17, at 0.20 a.m.) The suggested restoration of the Hapsburgs will be most strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially Jugoslavia, 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 Bones 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 in concerted action in Central Europe and the Balkans.