File No. 763.72119/661
The Minister in Switzerland ( Stovall) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 2, 1917, 11.50 a.m.]
1128. Bund, 28th, reports from Vienna that Socialists in Austrian Parliament demanded publication of Austria’s war aims and emphasized necessity for peace on basis of self-governing right of nations and abandonment of claims for annexation or indemnities. Minister President replied that Austro-Hungarian Government is ever ready, in thorough accord with its allies, to negotiate with enemy for honorable peace, but that it upholds constitutional clause placing right to make peace in hands of Emperor.
Frankfurter Zeitung, 28th, states that Minister President’s reply caused general disappointment and excited violent attacks from Social Democrats and Czechs. Parliament member Soukop declared in name Czech Social Democrats intention to consolidate all Social Democrats of Empire in effort to force attainment of European peace.