EX- KAISER’S ESTATES

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 June 1926, Page 5

EX- KAISER’S ESTATES

TO-MORROW’S PLEBISCITE

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

BERLIN, June 17.

Germany is on the tiptoe of expectation in view of the momentous referendum to be held on Sunday on the question of the confiscation or otherwise of the vast valuable properties claimed by the ex-Kaiser.

The ballot paper is a simple document, requiring a cross in a circle, for or against. Whichever side wins what is virtually a conflict of the republic versus the monarchy will enormously strengthen its political position. The campaign on behalf of confiscation has been vigorously carried on. Though no voice has been officially raised on behalf of the Doorn exile, nevertheless it is difficult to forecast he result. Twenty million of people at least must vote in favour of confiscation in order to carry the day. That the ex-Kaiser will be reduced to begging, even if confiscation is carried, is, of course, nonsense. He will be given a pension, together with some property which he unquestionably owns. The ballot concerns ninety castles, six hundred thousand acres of land, and fifty millions of money. The ex-Kaiser at present receives an equivalent of £5OO weekly from the Republic. The furniture, plate and art objects at his lavish Doorn residence represent a substantial fortune. He received £50,000 from one book and is asking £60,000 for the manuscript of another just completed. He remains extraordinarily extravagant. He is scarcely able to balance his budget.