HABSBURG PROPERTY

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 November 1934, Page 3

HABSBURG PROPERTY

PALACES AND ART COLLECTIONS VIENNA, October 6. Simultaneously with the announcement that the Austrian Government has practically decided to restore valuable property confiscated by the State in 1918 to the Habsburgs, the Archduke Otto announces his intention to return to Austria. This is the first occasion that such a definite statement has been made. “When the frontiers reopen to me, I shall return to Austria without bitterness,” are Otto’s words in a letter addressed to two Styrian villages which have conferred the freedom of the parish on him. “I have never held the Austrian people responsible for the injustices done to me, my father the Emperor, and to my mother. The Catholic peasantry of Austria had no share in the madness and the crime of the revolution. I greet you in the hope of an early return.” It is announced to-day that the negotiations which began last week between representatives of the Habsburgs and the Government have advanced so far that it is possible. to give an idea of the property which the State is probably surrendering. The world-famous Austrian art collections, including the valuable pictures in the Kunsthistorische Museum, now belonging to the State, may, it is declared, be all returned to the Habsburgs. The condition will be attached

that they are still allowed, to be visited by the public. The former Court library will be retained by the State, but the famous collection of etchings and engravings known as the Albertina will be restored to the Habsburgs. Two Vienna palaces, including the Albrecht Palace, the Habsburg-Lor-raine family treasures, and the socalled “private jewel treasure,” will be given back to the Habsburgs. Schonbrunn Palace, it is declared will be retained by the State and will shortly be made the official residence of the President of the Federal State of Austria, who riiay be President Miklas, or, as many people believe, a successor —possibly the Archduke Eugene —who might regard himself as a Regent for Otto. The Court treasury, including the imperial crown —which never belonged to the House of Habsburg, as such, but to “the ruling house in Austria” will not be handed over.