"A MYSTERY MAN"

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 5, 6 July 1928, Page 9

"A MYSTERY MAN"

BIG RETINUE OF SERVANTS The Into Captain A. Loewenstein has been referred to as the "Mystery Man of Biarritz,", and first came into general notice when it was announced in 1926 that he had offered to place ten millions at the disposal,of the Belgian Government, entirely' free of interest, for two years. He was a native of Belgium, and was reputed to yevc several times over a millionaire, though there appeared to be a certain amount of mystery as to the source of his wealth. At his offices he. maintained a retinue of typists, clerks, and officials, together with four; airplanes and innumerable cars. The most highly-coloured fiction written is put completely in the shade by the life of Captain Loewenstein. An atmosphere of mystery attended almost every action of this most amazing man. He was surroundod by secretaries, transport, air, and health advisers, so that he was virtually a State unto himself. He privately hired a fleet of four huge air expresses, equipped with pilots and mechanics, awaiting his command, ready to carry business emissaries to any point in Europe at a moment's notice. He also had an army of chauffeurs and engaged seven villas to house his huge personal staff. The purpose of these elaborate preparations was a jealously-guarded secret. The Air Transport Company, which supplied the liners, could _ not, even if willing, disclose the purpose of the private charter. The British. UnderSecretary for Air (Captain Guest) reecently travelled from London in one of Captain Loewenstein h machines. This mystery man was then living in incomparable splendour, giving orders as though he had dominion 'over the world's riches. Even at dinner he has officials and typists in attendance. Towards the end of last year it was reported that Captain Loewenstein was conferring with the world's financiers at Barcelona with the object of stabilising the Belgian and French francs. At that time he confirmed his offer to Belgium of ten millions sterling, free of interest, and added a further offer to France of a similar amount at 2 per cent, interest, with an additional twenty millions later. It was rumoured at the time that his offer was contingent on a concession for the electrification of the whole of the Belgian railways, but this was never entirely proved. Eventually, however, the offers were turned down; though no definite reason was given for this line of action having been adopted. ■