Horsham Times (Vic. : 1882 - 1954), Friday 23 October 1914, page 8


Britons' Bank Balances SEIZED BY KAISER'S ORDER, SYDNEY MAN LOSES £800. Mr. Eden George, a resident of Manly (Sydney), visited Germany to be present 'at the marriage of his daughter to a German doctor, and has returned a poorer man, owing to his money having been seized by. the German Government. He lodged . 800 with a German bank, and, after purchasing, among other things, a motor car intended as a wedding present, left with his daughter for a short trip to London. They did not return to Germany, as in the meantime war broke out. Before hostilities between "Britain and Germany had actually begun, Mr. George tried to draw his money, but could not collect it. Later he learnt that the Kalser had ordered all ban's in Germany to send to the Treasury in gold the credit balances of all Britisn accounts. The motor car and Miss George's wedding presents were also appropriated. The withdrawal of gold from the banks led to a run on them, and Mlr. George learnt of seven cases i which German bank proprietors who had failed had committed suicide.