Zita's Jewels

The former Empress Zita of Hungary, widow of the unfortunate Charles, who died in exile on the island of Madeira in 1922 after two attempts to regain his crown, has not even the right to her own jewels, according to the Italian Government.

Charles and Zita, when they fled to Switzerland after the War, took with them their jewels, including the famous Florentine Diamond, which weighs 139 1/2 carats. This gem is claimed by the Italians under the St. Germain Treaty. The Royal exiles pawned it to finance some of their ventures and it was recently rumored in London that Zita proposed to sell it.

Said the Italian Embassy: "The Italian Government warns the public against purchasing any jewelry belonging to the ex-Empress Zita, as the Italian Government has a prior claim thereto."

Zita herself is of Italian blood, being a member of the Ducal House of Tuscany. The Florentine diamond, manuscripts from the Modena Library, and other objects were transported from Tuscany to Vienna in the 18th Century. It is on this ground that the Italian Government claims them.

According to the Reparations Commission, the Empress Zita has every right to dispose of the precious stones in any way she sees fit.