LITTLE BUFFER STATE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 6, 7 July 1938, Page 11

LITTLE BUFFER STATE

LIECHTENSTEIN

ALL-GERMAN POPULATION

Liechtenstein's sixty-five square miles and 12,000 population—all Germansituated . between Switzerland and Germany, has been joined to Switzerland since the war by a monetary and customs union, but it remains politically independent. (A cable message today reports fears that Liechtenstein will be occupied by German troops.) Switzerland is under no legal obligation to defend Liechtenstein territory, and some Swiss military circles/ consider the principality geographically difficult to defend. It is not a member of the League, and no one guarantees its,: independence or neutrality. : Liechtenstein, moreover, is the one disarmed oasis in Europe. It keeps watch on its part of the Rhine with only one soldier, and he is made of wax and stands in a museum. Liechtenstein disarmed in 1868 after its "army" of seventy men returned safe and sound from fighting for Austria in the war with Prussia in 1866. Liechtenstein had a customs union with Austria before the war, but managed to keep out of the World War and then cut all connections with Austria—at least according to Liechtenstein and Swiss views—Hitler's view remained to be heard. INDEPENDENT SINCE 1918. After 1866 Liechtenstein became virtually Bn Austrian dependency, but late in-1918 the Diet,declared its com" P'le'te independence. Thereafter, Switzerland held a guiding hand: over the duchy. By treaty signed in 1920;Switzerland administers its posts and telegraphs, and three years later it was incorporated into the Swiss Customs territory. Switzerland also represents its foreign interests. In 1933, however, Liechtenstein closed its legation in Berne, to effect a budgetary economy, and recalled its Minister. At the time, it was a matter of comment that while Liechtenstein remained most friendly with the Swiss, it apparently was turning its face more towards The Diet is elected every four years, on the basis of universal suffrage and proportional representation. On March 17 last Liechtenstein Diet unanimously decided to maintain the principality's independence and treaties and this was deemed in Swiss circles to be all to the good, but it has not seriously diminished the apprehension over this tiny country's fate at the hands of Herr Hitler. On March 31, in a declaration before the members of his Government, Prince Franz Joseph of Liechtenstein said: "On my own behalf I may assure you that Liechtenstein will maintain | its independence and will continue the close relations it has always had with Switzerland." ARMY OP ONE. The Liechtenstein Army, which has the duty of protecting 65 square miles,is a veteran soldier of 97. He has not yet been mechanised, though he carries a modern, rifle, wears a beard, and is proud of a plumed helmet. He is J Andreas Kieber, sole survivor of the i expeditionary force of 58 nierf'supplied to Austria during the war of 1866. It is said* to have come back from the battle of Sadowa 59 strong. Andreas, seven policemen, 20 civilian reserves, and 50 Swiss Customs men were the only force Liechtenstein could muster on March 13 and 14 when Herr Hitler marched into Austria.. Army Andreas, is drilling himself very thoroughly I these days. " ,