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jmMSkip to contentSkip to search Toggle navigation Trove logo Newspapers: Browse The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 18 Dec 1943 Page 3 WHY THE NAZIS LEFT THE STATE OF LIECHTENSTEIN ALONE Image TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage TileImage Tile Article text WHY THE NAZIS LEFT THE STATE OF LIECHTENSTEIN ALONE A Mid-European Pocket Handkerchief Principality Provided a Business Refuge By a Special Correspondent HIDDEN in a fold of the mountains on the border of Switzerland and Nazi-occu- pied Austria is one of Europe's smallest States-the 65-square mile principality of Liechten- stein. It is one of the paradoxes of war that, while practically every other neutral on the Continent is looking to its defences for protection from ag- gression, Liechtenstein's 11,000-odd citizens have gone on in the old, unflurried way and the country has remained completely unarmed. A recent London cable message made clear one of the reasons why this pocket-handkerchief State has been able to retain its independence and remain unmolested-the head- quarters of many Berlin firms con- trolled by Nazi party chiefs have been transferred there. Situated in the valley of the Rhine some miles south of Lake Constance, Liechtenstein dominates the pass through which runs the main road and railway between Austria and Switzerland. But, despite the signifi- cance of its strategic situation, the principality's chief importance has long been as a place of refuge both in peace and war. In normal times naturalisation in Liechtenstein could be obtained for £500, and many "financiers" who feared the extradi- tion laws of other countries sought citizenship. The principality also became a sanctuary for tax-evading European firms, which registered their head offices in the picturesque capital, Vaduz. Liechtenstein, which is the oldest German-speaking monarchy, takes its name from the Liechtenstein family, dating from the 12th cen- tury. This family came into pos- session of 2 former fiefs of the ' Special wedding stamp issued early this year in honour of the marrioge of Prince Franz Josef of Liechtenstein. Help Special wedding stamp issued early this year in honour of the marrioge of Prince Franz Josef of Liechtenstein. Roman Empire, Schellenberg and Vaduz, both within a few years of the beginning of the 18th century. In 1719 the 2 lordships were united by a decree of the Emperpr Charles VI, and constituted the Principality of Liechtenstein. The tiny country combines fruitful and well-cultivated lowlands with the wild mountain forests of the highlands, which culminate in the Naafkoff, highest peak of the Liech- tenstein Alps, with an altitude of over 8,400ft. Today, in a medieval atmosphere, the people of Liechten- stein graze their fine cattle on the mountain slopes, and grow corn, vines, and fruits in the sunny val- leys. They spin and weave cotton, and make their own leather goods and pottery. Their homes are charming old-world farmhouses and village cottages, overlooked by the centuries-old castles of Vaduz and Gutenberg. Vaduz, which has a population of about 1,300, has one winding main street, paved with cobblestones. Vaduz Castle, the construction of which was begun in 1342, is one of the most beautiful of the romantic old castles of Europe. Its stone walls, with their forbidding battle- ments and its drawbridge, moat, and knights' courtyard, are perfect examples of medieval construction. With its strong air of feudalism, peaceful little Liechtenstein seems out of place,in the modern world of mechanisation. It is a charming, unspoilt remnant of other times, and in its people tradition is so deep rooted that time¡ seems to have stood still in this isolated scrap of Europe. THE present ruler is 30-year-old Prince Franz Josef II, who is related to the Austrian Habsburgs. The Huldigung of a new prince (which takes the place of a coronation) is held in Vaduz. Prince Franz Josef became ruler in 1938, and at the Huldigung which followed all the citizens paid homage to their new ruler, each stepping forward and kneeling before him. Taxes in Liechtenstein are negli- gible, and there is no public debt. For some years the principality's finances flourished as a result of a lottery conducted there by the pro- moters of the well-known Irish Sweepstakes. The drawings for the lotteries were based on English horse races and were held several times a year. They were occasions of importance in Vaduz, and the Burgomaster and other officials were in charge to insure that the drawings were abso- lutely fair. The lottery company provided quantities of food and wine, which were served free. Postal and telegraphic revenue from the sweepstakes, together with fiscal taxes, provided a large surplus for the Liechtenstein Government. Not long before the war broke out the lotteries were stopped at the in- sistence of Switzerland, which had The main street or Vaduz, capital ot Liechtenstein. Help The main street or Vaduz, capital of Liechtenstein. assumed a nominal protectorate over the principality. The lotteries had been in operation for a few years. An earlier attempt to set up a gambling scheme in Liechtenstein in 1914 failed. On that occasion a Frenchman, a German, and an American went near to establishing a miniature Monte Carlo in Liechtenstein's peaceful solitude. The Frenchman, who was considered the diplomat of the trio, opened ne- gotiations with the Liechtenstein authorities, and these proceeded so well that the Liechtenstein Diet was to ratify an agreement at a meet- ing on August 7. But 5 days be- fore the arranged meeting Austrian soldiers invaded Liechtenstein and demanded the arrest of the French- man, who was lucky to escape by dropping from his bedroom window and racing his pursuers to the bridge over the Rhine which led to Switzerland. Before the war Liechtenstein also did a good export "trade" in post- age stamps for the world's philatel- ists. Each year countless thousands of copies of Liechtensteih's issues found their way to all parts of the world, and the principality's postal authorities saw to it that new stamps were issued frequently. In recent years, when the possibilities of the stamp trade became fully appre- ciated, the designs became suffi- ciently picturesque and unusual to whet the appetite of collectors who had become a little cynical at the multifarious issues. Rural scenes, ruined castles, and fragments of the principality's history, as well as a wide variety of portraits, coats-of-arms, bird-life studies, aviation scenes, and modern road-building projects, were among the subjects used on the spectacular and colourful designs. EARLIER this year Prince Franz Josef was married to Countess Georg- iana of Wilczek, an Austrian aristo- crat. It was a gala occasion for the people of Liechtenstein, and Vaduz was transformed into a fairyland as all pomp and ceremony of medieval times was revived, and the Prince and Princess rode in the royal car- riage through lines of cheering citi- zens. The former royal guard was, however, absent, for the last sur- vivor (aged 91) died in 1938. He had fought against Bismarck's Prus- sians in 1866. Special stamps cele- brated the royal wedding. Liechtenstein's constitution dates from 1921. The Diet consists of 15 men, 12 elected and 3 nominated by the ruling prince. Although an Aus- trian principality, Liechtenstein is included In the Swiss Customs Union, which it joined In 1924. The principality is also represented diplomatically by Switzerland. An interesting point is that, tech- nically, Liechtenstein has been at war with Prussia since 1866. It de- clared war as Austria's ally, but in the excitement which followed Aus- tria's swift defeat its representatives forgot to sign the peace treaty. 1text corrections 0 0 0 0 0