File No. 863.00/56
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9.50 p.m.]
987. The Austrian Parliament convened May 31 for first time since outbreak of hostilities. In opening speech Emperor assured unalterable intention to exercise sovereign powers in truly constitutional spirit and to grant his subjects to fullest extent that participation in formation of national will provided for by Constitution. He further stated:
Remembering my obligation to take the constitutional oath and holding fast to my intention, already announced immediately after assumption of my duties, to discharge this obligation faithfully, I must at the same time bear in mind the article of the Constitution which places exclusively in my hands the decision at the great moment of peace conclusion.
He stated that Central powers have already expressed readiness for peace in unequivocal terms and emphasized present willingness to make peace with any nation that will give up intention threaten honour and existence of these powers.