The dissolution of the Monarchy into its component national parts was postulated throughout by the Entente.

I need only refer to the Conference of London.

But whether the State be dissolved by way of reward to the people or by way of punishment to the State makes little difference; the effect is the same.

In this case also a "German Austria" would have arisen, and in such a development it would have been hard for the German-Austrian people to take up an attitude which rendered them allies of the Entente.

In my own case, as Minister of the Imperial and Royal Government, it was my duty also to consider dynastic interests, and I never lost sight of that obligation.