EX-KING'S FUTURE.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 October 1921, Page 5

EX-KING'S FUTURE.

HOME IN AUSTRALIA. REMARKABLE PROPOSAL. UNSAFE IN EUROPE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London. Oct. 24. Will Australia or New Zealand accept the responsibility of receiving exEmperor Karl as a prisoner? It is learned from diplomatic sources that this question is agitating Allied circles. Of course, Karl must be first arrested, but this is expected to be accomplished within three days. If the Hungarians fail to arrest him, the Little Entente will take coercive measures, invade Hungary and do the job themselves. Hungary is not in a position to face such a combination and must rapidly collapse and hand over the leader, unless the latter carries out his avowed intention to commit suicide in the event of failure.

The question of domicile then arises. Switzerland is impossible, for two reasons: firstly, because the Swiss Government will not admit him again; and secondly, because the Allies will not allow it. Europe is too near for safety, as the ex-monarch’s pledges are unreliable. Karl must therefore be sent to the farthest possible country. It is declared by prominent officials, “What is better than Australia? If the latter will accept this duty it will gain a tremendous advertisement, and, at no danger to itself, it will confer a great boon on the world.”—United Service.