The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-09-24
CONSUL SCHWEGEL
DENIES PART IN PLOT
Austrian Official Says His Re-
port. Carried by Archibald.
Was Impartial.
HAS RESPECT FOR WILSON

DR., John II. Schwegel, Austrian Con-
to the consignment Of documents sent
to Germany by Ambassador Dumba,
with James F. j. Archibald as the mes
senger, and whose art in the activities
OF Austrian agents to prevent subjects
Of that country from aiding In the
manufacture Of munitions for the Allies
in the United States have led to reports
from Washington that. with Austrian
Consul-General Nuber OF New York, he
may have his exenuatur revoked and he
returned to Austria, issued at the Hotel
Biltmore last night a statement dealing
with those reports.
DIR. Schwegel. in reply to interroga-
tons. denied any knowledge OF the plans
OF the German and Austrian represent
tatives to forward documents to Eu-
rope through the American corre-
spondent.
II did not even know Of the exist
ence Of Mr.. Archibald until I read Of
him in the newspapers" said the Aus
TRAN diplomat. MY papers among
those taken from Mr.. Archibald con-
sisted merely OF an informal report, a
mere discussion OF President Wilson's
refusal to place an embargo on the
shipment of munitions to the allied ma
lions.
at was impassionate and respectful
In every way n far more impersonal
than messages sent daily by Consuls
and attaches In all parts Of the country
10 the ambassadors OF the various coun-
tries which they represent. II was
nothing to take offence at"
sNeath Flags of Allies,
Dr. Schwegel discussed the subject IN
formally in the B!ltmore lobby, which
is decorated literally with the inter-
twlned flags OF the United States, Great
Britain and France, these decorations
being occastoned by the sessions of the
.Anglo-French loan &C mmission in the
hotel.
While denying that he was called TO
New York for conferences relating 10
the Dumba case Consul Schwege, ad-
mitted that he had been in meetings in
the last " days with Consul-General
huber and other Austrian agents now
in New York.
Or. Schwcgel's statement follows
Consul Or. Schwegcl. when seen last
night at the B!!tmore Hotel. said that
he was in New Y.rk on personal mat
ters for II day or two, and would return
TO st. LOU directly.
"He had not known Of his connection
IN II way with this matter until he
read, this morning. a more or less verbal
translation of a letter which he had
written several weeks ago to Ambassa-
dor DR.. Dumba In len,X relative to the
Austro-Iiungarian note on ammunition
exports and to English interference with
neutral trade. and which letter the Am
bassador evidently mad enclosed with
one OF his reports TO Vienna.
Consul Schwegel feels that he ia not
concerned In the matter, as il Is not only
his right but also his duty TO corre-
spond with his superior officer on bust
ness pertaining TO the interests OF his
country. the same as II Is done by Amert-
can or other Consuls.
The impassionste and entirely i'm
personal contents and the respectful Ian
guage OF his letter. though IL never was
Intended for publication in a matter of
the greatest importance TO his own coun-
try and 10 himself. will prove better
than any prepared and intended state
ment could his correct position and the
respect and Loyalty which, during his
long service as Consul, ne had always
entertained for this country and of
which evidence was given only "A Few
weeks ago. when. al the dinner in honor
OF the birthday of Emperor Francis Jo-
seph in st. Louis, amid the enthusiasm
OF all his guests, he arose to propose
the health Of the President OF the United
States,