AUSTRIAN BATTALION

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1943, Page 3

AUSTRIAN BATTALION

In U.S. Army DISBANDED THROUGH CONTROVERSY.

(Rec. 9.50) NEW YORK, Dec. 13. The Austrian Battalion which was being formed in the United States Army, has been disbanded. The War Department announced this, stating that there were not sufficient volunteers. The Battalion has been a centre of controversy since it was planned. The Archduke Otto of Austria, did not join the Battalion, but he has recruited volunteers. He was accused by the Free Austrian movement of using the Battalion for a stepping stone for the restoration of the monarchy of Austria. The War Department stated that Otto’s brothers, who uelonged to the Battalion were given a choice of another unit or of honourable discharges. They chose discharges, archduke Karl was a' corporal; Archduke Felix, a first-class private; and Archduke Rudolf a private. These three Archdukes now are subject to induction with the United States Services. ‘