The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-07-06
SUICIDE THEORY
IN LOWEN STEIN
DEATH Is URGED.
Financial World Points to Bel
Rian Magnate's Recent
Stock Losses
ACCIDENT IS IMPROBABLE
French Secretary Ayers Finan.
cier Was Feeling Well at
Flights Start

Paris, July 6.-eP-Captain AL
fred Lowenstein, mystery man Of
European finance, today proved to
be a more mysterious figure IN
death.
Four theories regarding his
plunge from his private arplane
while crossing the North Sea We're
advanced, accident, crime. suicide or
hoax.
There was a growing belief that
the death was not accidental. The
theory of a crime. while not impos-
sible, was considered more and more
improbable. A hoax seemed most
unlikely.
In many financial circles through
out the world the theory of suicide
was strongly urged. II was pointed
out that during the last month many
Of the stocks in which the Belgian
maEnate was interested had suf-
fered severe reverses.
In Paris. London. Brussels. and
Berlin, stock exchanges reacted
quickly when the death of the finan-
cier became known. In Paris every
security in which he was known 70
have been interested dropped sharp
~. A few wild reports that the an
nouncement Of the death was mere
ly spectacular trick under the
cover of which Lowenstein. still
alive. was arranging some business
deal received some support and
helped save the stocks from further
declines.
Might Have Slipped
While little has been found to sup
Port the theory Of an accident.
which employees Of the financier
hold. it is recognized as plausible
explanation. Although il is extreme
~ difficult, if not impossible. to
open the door Of plane against the
terrific wind pressure when the
plane is in flight. the pressure would
have been less when the plane was
banking in turn. At such a time
Lowenstein might have been thrown
off his balance by the motion and
hurled against the door which would
open just enough TO let him slip out
headlong TO the sea.
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the French authorities would make
no further inquiry than conducted at
Calais. 1t was established by testi-
mony there that the tragedy hap
pened in British waters and there
fore French authorities were not
called upon to intervene.
Captain Lowenstens secretary
and the other occupants Of the plane
were questioned by police commits
sioner, but there was no verdict
The mechanic and pilot were per
mitted to fly the plane back tc
Croydon.
Seemed Indisposed
Mile. Paule Bidalon, French stem
ographer, speaking to newspaper
men said that Lowenstein appeared
to be in good health and spirits when
boarding the plane at Croydon
During the course Of the flight he
arose suddenly. seemingly indis-
posed. After he had been absent
ten minutes Hodgson began to
search for him. He found the exit
door open and Lowenstein missing
Hodgson. Lowenstein's secretary
then passed note to the pilot who
circled around at a low altitude
This was about five miles off the
English coast. There was no sign
Of the missing man and the plane
proceeded to Dunkirk.
Boats have been searching ever
since at the request Of Madam Low.
enstein and all incoming vessels
along the French coast have been
questioned but no trace of the finan.
cier's body has been found.