AUSTRIAN SCANDALS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 27

AUSTRIAN SCANDALS.

BARON VON STEINER ARRESTED PARIS, June 5.

Baron von Steiner, formerly confidential adviser to the Emperor Francis Joseph, has been arrested on a Swiss warrant, and charged with robbing the Austrian Imperial family of 250,000 francs. Switzerland is taking extradition proceedings. It is alleged that Baron von Steiner, who was arrested on Swiss extradition warrants, was empowered to pledge the Austrian Imperial Crown and other jewels for the purpose of obtaining a loan for the ex-Emperor Karl. Instead, he sold the jewels outright for a sum far below their value. The jewels, which are stated to be worth over £300,000, were allegedly sold to a syndicate of international jewellers for £25,500. It is asserted that the historic Marie Antoinette necklace was sold eventually to an English purchaser for about £70,000, or thrice the amount which the syndicate paid for the whole collection. The Archduke Max accuses von Steiner of defrauding the Imperial family of a quarter of ia million francs from the sales. It is suggested that von Steiner’s arrest will lead to the disclosure of the names of others implicated who are now living in Switzerland and elsewhere. CHARGE AND DENIAL. VIENNA, June 3. Count Czernin, speaking in the National Assembly, created an uproar by stating that, on the occasion of the late Emperor Karl’s abdication and flight, Dr Renner (ex- Chancellor) had asked Colonel Strutt, a British officer who was in Karl’s company, to secure the occupation of Austria by British troops. June 4. Dr Renner denies the statement made by Count Czernin, that, on the occasion of the late Emperor Karl's abdication and flight, Dt Renner (ex-Chanceller) hsi! asked Colonel Strutt, a British officer who was in Karl’s company, to secure the occupation of Austria by Britisli troops. Count Czernin to-day publishes Colonel Strutt’s letter confirming the allegation.