The Washington times., 1938-06-23
Babs Asks U.S.. Citizenship;
Warrant Out forHusband
WOOlworth Heiress
TOSeek Divorce
And Child
By KINGSBURY SMITH
Copyright, 1898. by International
News Service.)

LONDON, June % U.N.S0.
Locked in a bitter struggle with
her Danish husband over the up
bringing Of their two-year-old son
Lance, the Countess Kurt Won
Haugwitz-R eventlow turned for
cid today to the country Of her
birth.
The former Barbara Hutton,
helress to the WOolworth five and
ten cent store millions, instituted
legal inquiries regarding restora-
ton of her American citizenship
which she renowned several
months ago.
WARRANT ISSUED
Bitterly regretful that she took
this step, the countess hopes that
If she regains her American ma
tionality she may be able to de-
feat all attempts of her husband
to gain custody of her child. Al
ready, she has obtained a warrant
for his arrest as part of her siren
uous efforts to keep Lance for her
own.
Should the count set foot in
England, the warrant will be
served upon him and he will be
called upon to sign surety papers
promising not to disturb the
peace"
Shortly after noon, Lord Horder,
physician to the royal family, paid
q visit to the Haugwitz home,
Winfield House, a stately mansion
In Regents Park.
FEAR FOR HER HEALTH
This led to immediate Specula-
ton as to whether Barbara's frail
health may have been impaired
by anxiety. It was considered un-
likely that the doctor had been
called in for Lance, for the boy
appeared to be in excellent health
when seen on the grounds of the
estate yesterday.
It was recalled that Barbara
narrowly escaped death when the
child was born two years ago. Her
constitution was reported to have
been greatly weakened by exceS-
sive dieting. Popular legend had
II that for weeks she lived on "cof-
fee and cigarettes" in order to re-
duce her weight.
Still in Paris, Won Haugwitz-
Reventlow apparently was deter
mined to fight fire with fire, and
In newspaper interviews intimated
his intention of proceeding with
his intention of obtaining custody
Of the boy.
PLANS LEGAL SEPARATION
From q well-infOrmed source,
this correspondent learned that
in addition to inquiring into the
possibility of regaining her Amcri-
can citizenship, the countess plans
to seek judicial separation from
her husband as soon as possible
and will insist upon retaining Gus
tody of Lance.
She has already discussed the
possibility of a separation with
the count, it was learned. and in
the course of these conversations
the subject of finances was con-
sidered. Differences Of opinion
have arisen between them on this
point, it was learned.
ATTORNEYS PLAN ARREST
Attorneys for the heiress to the
American Woolworth millions
issued a statement saying a war
rant had been issued for arrest Of
Count Court Haugwitz- Reventlow
should he attempt to come to
England.
It was understood that if he
should fly from Paris to Croydon
Airport, the count would be met
by his wife'S legal representatives
and accompanied by them to Bow
Street police court.
There, it was believed, he would
be asked to sign surety papers
promising not to disturb the
peace" He would be bound over
for good behavior and then freed.
Count Haugwitz-R eventlow was
reported comforting with Franklin
Hutton. father of Countess Bar
bara, in Hutton'S hotel suite in
Paris.
COUNT INTERVIEWED
The statement REGARDING iSSI1.
ance of q warrant for the count
was made by w. M. Mitchell on
behalf of the American-born
countess. Mitchell made his
statement following publication
by the London Daily Mail Of an
interview with the count.
The latter was quoted as ad-
hitting a sharp dispute had arisen
between himself and his wife over
the future Of their baby son.
Il have seen the Daily Mail
report of an interview with
Count Haugwitz-Rev entlow,"
said Mitchell, and confirm that
an application was made at Bow
Street Police Court yesterday,
as a result of which a warrant
was issued for the Counts ar.
rest.
ACTION RELUCTANT
"This course was taken by the
Countess with the greatest re.
luctance, but she was advised
by leading counsel that the re.
cent behavior Of the Count left
her no possible alternative if her
continued safety was to be in.
Sured."
81 know nothing Of the
f1o,Int's renorted alterations that