Paris Peace Conf. 184.011102/318
Mr. Albert Halstead to the Secretary of State25
Subject: Protest against the restoration of the monarchy.
Sir: I have the honor to make the following comment: The demonstration yesterday in which several thousand of the Volkswehr, gendarmerie, police, and citizens took part was symptomatic of the feeling Vienna against any attempt to restore the monarchy. The demonstration was due to the fear that the return of the Habsburg Archduke Joseph to a position of power in Hungary might be the first step toward an effort to seat the former Habsburg Karl or some other member of the former royal house on the throne of Austria. There have been so many rumors, since the government of Archduke Joseph succeeded the social-democrats who had overthrown Bela Kun, that Karl was to become King of Hungary and that this would be followed by his becoming King of Austria that the protest meeting was regarded as necessary to show the real public feeling.
That the former Emperor does not despair of returning to Austria and Hungary as king of each country is quite believable. The Clerical [Page 562] Party and many of the old aristocrats together with some of the middle class who believe that they prospered better under the Monarchy, would welcome his return. Among the peasants, who as a rule are more conservative, a monarchy would find some supporters. The workmen and most of the citizens of Austria, would however, regard the return of a Habsburg to the throne, no matter how liberal a constitution might be provided, as a dangerous reaction. They know that such a return would be followed by the incoming of archdukes and aristocrats who have simply fed on the country and never done anything for its advancement. They are convinced that the Habsburgs and old ruling classes are wholly responsible for their present plight.
Representations have been made to me indirectly that it is hoped that the United States in conjunction with its associates in the war will take steps to make the restoration of the monarchy impossible. While I realize that the policy of the American Government is not to interfere with the form of government of a foreign nation, I feel I should indicate the strong opposition to any reaction in the direction of monarchial institutions. This does not mean that a representative government, one in which all classes could take part and which would probably be more conservative than the present government, would be generally regarded as reactionary.
I have [etc.]
- Copy transmitted to the Commission by Mr. Halstead under covering letter No. 390, August 14; received August 18.↩