HAPSBURG COUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1921, Page 5

HAPSBURG COUP.

THE AMBITIOUS KARL. A NEW MOVE REPORTED. “MARCHING ON BUDAPEST” By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—-Copyright. Received April 1, 5.5 p.m. London, March 31. It is persistently reported from Berlin that the ex-Emperor Karl is marching on Budapest at the head of 50,000 troops. Messages from Steinamanger state that people are flocking to pay homage to Karl, whose hold over the army is spreading. The Daily Chronicle’s Vienna correspondent, telegraphing on Thursday, says that Count Sigray, Government Commissioner of West Hungary, has gone over to Karl, who has declared a military dictatorship. Colonel Lebar may lead a march on Budapest if Prince Otto is proclaimed King. Colonel Lehar’s 30,000 men are the elite of the Hungarian Army, largely made up of old army officers. According to other Vienna telegrams, precautions are being taken against the Monarchical movement. The Imperial Castle and prominent public buildings are occupied by troops.

Karl arrived from Straseburg wearing a false beard and a foreign uniform, and used, a passport written in English for a Red Cross functionary.—Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

CONFUSED REPORTS.

TROUBLE BELIEVED TO BE OVER. ITS INFLUENCE IN BAVARIA. Received April 1, 5.5 p.m. London, April 1. There are confused reports from Hungary. One message from Vienna states that Karl accepted the inevitable when he found the game was lost, and only asked for safe conduct. The rumors of a military coup are denied; the troops are loyal to the Government. The Daily Chronicle’s Berlin correspondent states that the German Government is perturbed at Karl’s escapade, fearing it will react on Bavaria, where Monarchists continue to prevent disarmament, biding time till Prince Rupprecht returns. —Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE OTHER SIDE.

KARL GOING TO SWITZERLAND. TROUBLE IF HE RETURNS. Geneva, March 31. The president has authorised Karl’s return to Switzerland. The military are believed to favor the iKarl movement directed against Admiral Horthy. It is now alleged that it was proposed to establish a regency for the Prince, composed of Admiral Horthy, the Prince, and the Bishop of Cornoch. Budapest, March 31. Roumania, Czecho-Slovakia and Jugoslavia have issued an ultimatum that they will make war on Hungary if the ex-Emperor Karl is enthroned. They demand his expulsion. Vienna, March 31.

The Jugo-Slavian, Roumanian, and Czecho-Slavian Ambassadors visited Admiral Horthy, demanding Karl’s instant removal'and complete liquidation of the kingship question, declaring that noncompliance would be regarded as a casus belli. The Ambassadors deemed Admiral Horthy’s explanation satisfactory. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Paris, March 31. The Matin reports that M. Briand indignantly denies Karl’s allegation that France consented to his crazy venture, adding, “If we tolerated the Hapsburgs’ return we could hardly object to the Hohenzollerns’ return. It would be a flagrant violation of the Versailles Treaty. England and Italy are supporting us in preventing Karl’s accession.” Vienna reports that the ex-Emperor Karl has proclaimed a military dictatorship in West Hungary, and many troops are joining him.