The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1920-11-08
ITALY AND AUSTRIA
DISPUTE POSSESSION
. OF OBJECTS OF ART

VIENNA. Nov S.-The government
thus far has refused to make public
the secret agreement by which Dl
Karl Renner, then chancellor, agreed
TO give to Italy many valuable works
of art, manuscripts and historical rel
les not provided for surrender in til"
treaty of ST. German, despite demands
by art associations and influential per
sons for that information.
Their seizure began when the lta'
ian Armistice commission, under Gen.
eral Segre, first arrived in Vienna IN
February of last year, the contention
of the commissions being that under
the treaty of the war OF 1866 these
treasures should long since have beef
delivered Among the articles taken
by General Segre were the famous
tapestries of Montua, and as regards
them. the. Austrians conceded utia
and assisted in their delivery.
Then began the removal of pictures
from the Hof museum and Academy
of Fine Arts which had been brought
to Vienna in 1916 and 1885. These
had been stored in church at Venice.
having been collected from many
churches in the Venitian territory. ii
was done by order of Frances l, then
sovereign of Venice, which was at
that time part of the Austrian empire
The Austrians bring forward SUP
plemantary treaty to that OF 1866 re-
gardng these objects, intended to
clear title. They, render this clause
as follows: Austria will keep tSaT-
dera) the pictures exported IN 1919
which his majesty. the emperor some
time ago gave to the Academy OF FIN"
Arts in Vienna. and to other galleries
in the empire.
Aroue Meaning of Word.
II is around the word 'gardera'. the
Italians center their argument ,or pos
session. contending it means take III
CUSTODY" or for safe keeping ho-
possession or gift. The AustrlahS say
they have documents IN the std'e
archives to show that in return me
emperor gave to Italy presents OF dlt
far in excess OF value 10 tnoSe III
controversy, among them being the
nr;coless collections of Manfrin and
Bossi
The Italians also took from the MAJ
ional library OF other places additional
treasures such as autographs, muslcal
hooks. and three manuscripts worm
several millions of dollars, one Oh
which. THE Genesis of Vienna, Is
caid to he the most valuable laIe
Roman manuscript in existence
With all these objects safe IN ltaiy'
when the peace conference began III
Paris. the Italians advanced 1urtner
claims for works of art from AuStTl''
demanding the pick of pictures from
The National academy in Vienna ana
virtually all the bronzes and statues
made in Italy. or that ever were IN
Italy. The objects thus covered we're
estimated to be worth about 4'ooo''
600, 900 gold francs.
The claims we're rejected, however
nv the conference, and then began the
Italian efforts to effect specla'
treaty to obtain her end. The neGo
tiations proceeded until this sprlhs'
when DR.. Renner finally signed IL On
the occasion Of his Italian Visit. IN.
der its term General Segre's seizures
are localized and large number OF
valuable objects are coded in addltlon'
According to report there was yer
bal promise on the part of Italy 10 as
sist Austria wherever possible IN the
boundary delimitationS now IN pro-
gress and certain other polltlcai "a
surances.
It is understood, the Austrian section
of the Reparation commission Is haa"-
ing inquiries into the whole trafS.
action. as it may affect the assets OF
the country to which the treaty Oh 81.
German gives title.