GERMAN PRINCES.

Thames Star, Volume LXII, Issue 17389, 29 March 1928, Page 6

GERMAN PRINCES.

QUESTION OV COMPENSATION. The question cu part compensation for the former German Princes, who lost their estates unci privileges through the revolution, will probably he submitted to a popular referendum, like the demands of the Hohonzollerns and the other ex-rulers last year. The leader of the Centre Party in the. Peichstag demands that a bill framed by him fixing the damages to be paid must be definitely passed by a two-third majority of the legislators. This is impossible; however, as the Nationalists siding with the Princes demand more money for them. If the bill fails to obtain the majority necessary for a constitutional question, the nation will have to vote on the question.

The measure, which would give the royal claimants about 25 per cent, of the value of their confiscated properties, is opposed by the Prussian -Ministry, which also insists that the Princes should not be recompensed for the loss of rights and revenues obtained from an immoral source, such as serfdom. Attempts to bring about an agreement between the lleicli and Prussian Governments have failed. This practically eliminates the possibility of passage of the bill now before the Reichstag. Meanwhile. Prussia has been sued by the former Princes Salm-Salm and Salm-Horstmar and the Duke'of Arenburg who demand restitution of the full value of their lost property and privileges. As a result of this, Herr Hoepker-Asihoff, 'the Finance Minister, has cut off the instalment payments granted to all the Princes since 1923. It is expected that the referendum will be futile as the Constitution' requires that more than 50 per cent, of the voters must cast their ballots, and this can easily be prevented by the Nationalists remaining away from the polls, as in the previous referendum.