Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Zita makes demands of Habsburgs

July 13, 1930

Empress Zita of Austria has sent "to every adult member of the Hapsburg family a letter, the publication of which tomorrow in newspapers here will cause a flutter in Little Entente Circles."
The New York Times reports today that the former empress, who signed the letter as Empress and Queen, has, "in a very decided form" requested the members of the Habsburg family declare allegiance to her son, Archduke Otto.
Otto "will come of royal age in November," and the event will be "marked by a ceremony which many Hapbsburgs, in common with leaders of the Legitimist movement in Austria and Hungary, are expected to attended.
As other members of the family may not "find it possible to be present," Zita has issued the following circular letter:
"His Majesty, Emperor and King Otto, will take over, on Nov. 20, the leadership of the Hapsburg family and also all prerogatives connected with this position. As it will not be possible for all members of the Hapsburg family to attend in person his coming of age, all members of the family, whether they intend to be present or not, must return this declaration of allegiance with their signature as soon as possible.
"Every member of the Hapsburg family has absolutely to oblige himself to support with all his powers the restoration, which is being prepared. Zita, Empress and Queen."
The letter was written in German, "a fact which may not commend it to Hungary."

No comments: