Otto Uber Alles

Buried in a leafy Belgian wood stands Castle Steenockerzeel, temporary residence of famed "Little Otto," son and heir of the late Austro-Hungarian Emperor Karl I, who hopes to succeed his father as King of Hungary.

Last week to Castle Steenockerzeel came the Archduke Albrecht of Habsburg who, although no "legitimate heir," has been trying these many years to get elected King of Hungary on his own merits.

Down on his knees before "Little Otto" went Albrecht last week, renounced all his claims to the throne, swore fealty. "I know, sire," said he, "that you will attain your majority in a few months, and, as I am leaving for South America, I thought it fit to pledge my devotion to Your Majesty now."

In Prague, Czechoslovakia, the Socialist daily Pravo Lidu claimed last week to have found out what was lately agreed in Rome between Il Duce and Prime Minister Count Stephen de Bethlen of the kingless "Kingdom of Hungary" now ruled by a regent (TIME, April 28). They were said to have agreed that--"Little Otto" should marry an Italian princess, and that Italy would back the Hungarian parliament in proclaiming the ascension of "King Otto" on Nov. 20 this year (the day he reaches his majority). To this restoration of a Habsburg, France and her allies (Poland, Czechoslovakia, Jugoslavia) are violently opposed. But unquestionably the people of Hungary--the most monarchist in Europe--want a king.

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