RESTORATION OF HABSBURGS

Southland Times, Issue 22918, 17 June 1936, Page 5

RESTORATION OF HABSBURGS

Possibility Of Move AUSTRIAN PRESS STATEMENT Wishes Of People (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.5 p.m.) Vienna, June 16. Reichspost, the Government newspaper, significantly refers to the possible restoration of the Habsburg monarchy. “Should the Austrian Government believe that a preponderating majority of the Austrian people desires to express constitutionally its wish for the restoration of the monarchy, then the Government would regard it as a purely internal question concerning Austria alone,” it says. The greatest importance is attached to the declaration, and early action is predicted. No Coup D’Etat. The article, which is regarded in political circles as the most important Government intimation since the Great War, emphasizes that the restoration of the Habsburgs will in no circumstances be carried out by a coup d etat, which is opposed to Archduke Otto s desire for Constitutional methods. Accordingly, rumours of a near restoration are unfounded. It is suggested that a plebiscite will be adopted. Reichspost adds that Archduke Otto would not claim the throne of any country outside Austria. Referring to the military discussions among neighbouring and other countries, the article says: “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 Archduke Otto.” Legitimist circles claim that Signor Mussolini is behind the move to restore the Habsburgs, which, they say, Il Duce and the Chancellor (Dr. Kurt Schuschnigg) recently discussed. Signor Mussolini aims at mediation between the Austrian Government and the moderate Nads with a view to removing the German threat to the Brenner Pass and leaving Italy a freer hand in negotiations with Britain and France. Little Entente Concerned. A message from Bucharest states that the suggestion of the restoration of the Habsburgs_ will be most strongly opposed by the Little Entente, especially by Yugoslavia, as the Habsburgs have never renounced their claims to the territory of the former AustroHungarian Empire. It is recalled that the recent conference between King Carol of Rumania, Prince Paul of Jugoslavia and the President of Czechoslovakia (Dr. Eduard Benes) resulted in a report that the three issues causing concern, and possibly leading to military action, were :— (1) The restoration of the Habsburgs. (2) Italian or German interference in Austria. (3) Any revision of frontiers. It is significant that the Chiefs of Staffs of the Little Entente are discussing concerted action in Central Europe and the Balkans.