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Josef Hoop
Hoop in 1945
Prime Minister of Liechtenstein
In office
4 August 1928 – 3 September 1945
Monarchs
Deputy
Preceded byPrince Alfred Roman of Liechtenstein (acting)
Succeeded byAlexander Frick
President of the Landtag of Liechtenstein
In office
January 1958 – 19 October 1959
MonarchFranz Joseph II
Vice PresidentAlois Vogt
Preceded byDavid Strub
Succeeded byMartin Risch
Member of the Landtag of Liechtenstein for Oberland
In office
1 September 1957 – 19 October 1959
Personal details
Born14 December 1895
Eschen, Liechtenstein
Died19 October 1959 (aged 63)
Chur, Switzerland
Political partyProgressive Citizens' Party
Spouse
Emilie Gstöhl
​
(m. 1920)​
Parent(s)Franz Josef Hoop
Berta Batliner
Signature
This article is part of
a series about
Josef Hoop
Prime Minister of Liechtenstein
1928–1945
President of the Landtag of Liechtenstein
1958–1959

Franz Josef Hoop (German: [ˈfʁants ˈjoːzɛf ˈhoːp] ⓘ; 14 December 1895 – 19 October 1959) was a Liechtensteiner diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Liechtenstein from 1928 to 1945. He later served as the President of the Landtag of Liechtenstein from 1958 to 1959.

Hoop initially worked as the attaché and chargé d'affaires at the Liechtenstein legation in Vienna and then in the Swiss customs administration before being elected as prime minister in 1928. During his time in office, he faced numerous domestic and foreign challenges to the country, notably events such as the 1937 affair and 1939 putsch. In 1938, his government entered into a coalition government with the opposition Patriotic Union. During World War II, Hoop considered considered friendly, non-binding, non-provocative diplomacy to be appropriate towards Nazi Germany, supplemented by courtesy gestures. He was pressured to resign by Franz Joseph II in 1945.

Following his resignation as prime minister, Hoop studied law and then worked as a lawyer in Vaduz from 1948. He returned to politics when he was elected to the Landtag of Liechtenstein in 1957, and he was the president of the Landtag from 1958 to 1959. A habitual smoker throughout his adult life, Hoop died due to heart failure in 1959. His services to Liechtenstein, particularly during World War II, were widely recognized, with Franz Joseph II saying in retrospect that "Hoop saved the country".

Early life and diplomatic career

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Hoop was born in Eschen on 14 December 1895 to Franz Josef Hoop, a farmer and deputy member of the Landtag of Liechtenstein, and Berta Batliner; he was one of nine children.[1][2] He attended high school in Feldkirch, Austria, and for a short time afterwards attended school in Zürich, Switzerland. After finishing his schooling there, Hoop took up post-secondary education at the University of Innsbruck, where he devoted himself to the study of Oriental languages. He graduated in 1920 with a doctorate in philosophy. He was fluent in Arabic.[1]

Hoop served as the attaché and chargé d'affaires at the Liechtenstein legation in Vienna, headed by Prince Eduard of Liechtenstein, from 1920 to 1923.[1][3] He worked towards the removal of visa requirements for Austrian citizens in Liechtenstein in 1922.[4] He also raised concerns over the low wages of the legation's staff, stating that it was not sufficient for them to properly feed and clothe themselves.[5]

The Liechtenstein legation in Vienna was closed in 1923.[1] Hoop had resisted the closure of the legation, as he believed it would negatively affect relations with Austria.[6] He visited Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alfred Grünberger regarding the closure, who had also privately opposed it. This led to Hoop being criticized in a letter by prime minister Gustav Schädler, as Liechtenstein's government had already agreed to be represented diplomatically by Switzerland.[7] He became a member of the Historical Association for the Principality of Liechtenstein in 1921.[8] From 1924 to 1928, he worked for the Swiss customs administration in Geneva and St. Gallen.[1]

Prime Minister of Liechtenstein

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Hoop was the third Prime Minister of Liechtenstein, from 4 August 1928 to 3 September 1945.[9][10][11] Early elections were called after Johann II forced the government of Gustav Schädler to resign in June 1928 as the result of an embezzlement scandal at the National Bank of Liechtenstein.[12] The 1928 Liechtenstein parliamentary election resulted with a win for the Progressive Citizens' Party and Hoop was appointed to serve as prime minister.[9][13] As a result of the 1930 Liechtenstein by-election, the Progressive Citizens' Party became the first party to hold an absolute majority in the Landtag in its history.[14]

Rotter kidnapping

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Main article: Rotter kidnapping

Upon the rise of Nazi Germany in 1933, Liechtenstein received a large amount of Jewish refugees. Hoop's government pioneered a financial naturalization scheme for Jews to obtain citizenship in Liechtenstein.[15] However, an area of contention between Liechtenstein and Nazi Germany arose with Alfred and Fritz Rotter of Jewish background, who had previously succeeded in being naturalized in 1931. As a result of this, Liechtenstein became the target of attacks by German press outlets. In particular, the Rotters became the target of attacks from the press, who falsely accused them of faking their bankruptcy and transferring their money abroad. As a result, it was publicly demanded that the two men be extradited back to Nazi Germany to face trial.[16] Hoop attempted to use private contacts and offered informal support to the German government, where he considered appealing to Otto Meissner in order for the press attacks to end.[17]

However, four local Liechtensteiners sympathetic to Nazi Germany used the German press demands as an impetus to kidnap Fritz and Alfred Rotter and forcefully extradite them to Nazi Germany, which was intended to coincide with the formation of an organized Nazi Party in Liechtenstein. They were assisted by five German nationals in the country. On 5 April 1933, they attempted to kidnap Alfred, Fritz and their partners Gertrud and Julie.[16] This plan, failed however, as they managed to escape on foot. However, Alfred and Getrud later died by falling into a ravine, whereas Fritz and Julie escaped and contacted Hoop's government.[18] All nine men were arrested shortly afterwards.[16]

In response to the kidnapping, naturalizations into Liechtenstein were discontinued until further notice, which the Liechtensteiner Nachrichten criticized.[19] Hoop's government sent a diplomatic protest on 9 April 1933 to Nazi Germany and urged for both government's to work towards a solution for the press attacks to end.[20] However, Liechtenstein's desire to work with Germany independently contradicted the agreement with Switzerland to represent Liechtenstein where it did not hold representation in its own right, as such it expressed it's desire for no independent meeting between Liechtenstein and Germany to solve the issue.[19] As such on, 6 October 1933 a conference was held in Berlin with representatives from Germany and Switzerland, with Hoop representing Liechtenstein. At the conference, he defended the country against the allegations made by the German press. The Reich ministry demanded that Liechtenstein revise its naturalization policy, which Hoop obliged. In addition, it demanded that two of the men, who were still in prison for the kidnapping, were to be released early, as such both men were pardoned by Franz I and released the following month.[21]

Spy affair

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Main article: 1937 Liechtenstein spy affair

In January 1937 it was revealed that Carl Freiherr von Vogelsang, the editor of Liechtensteiner Vaterland and a founding member of the Liechtenstein Homeland Service, had sent a letter asking the police Friedrichshafen or the border guards in Lindau to arrest Ludwig Hasler, the head of the Liechtenstein tax office, claiming that his upcoming trip to Germany for a foreign exchange was a part of a conspiracy by German-Jewish emigrants three years prior in 1934.[22] As a result, Hoop ordered a search of the offices of the Vaterland for any incriminating letters and Vogelsang promptly left the country.[23][24] A majority of the Landtag approved of Hoop's actions, but members of the Patriotic Union called for his resignation over the issue, believing the search to be unconstitutional. It was decided that two special judges would determine the legal implications of the case.[25] Eventually, in July 1937, it was concluded by both judges that Hoop had not acted unconstitutionally by ordering the search against Vogelsang, and Hoop was subsequently legally acquitted of any wrong-doing.[26]

1938–1939 crisis

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Hoop (centre-right) with Alois Vogt, Otto Schaedler, and Ludwig Marxer, around 1938
See also: 1939 Liechtenstein general election and 1939 Liechtenstein putsch

Hoop was in Vienna upon the Anschluss of Austria on 12 March 1938 and then returned to Liechtenstein on the 14th. His immediate concern was the potential annexation of Liechtenstein into Nazi Germany, as such he sought reassurances from Nazi officials for Liechtenstein's continued independence.[27] On 18 March Adolf Hitler blocked any interference in Liechtenstein as he did not want to complicate relations with Switzerland.[28][29]

Shortly afterwards, under the initiative of Franz Joseph, the Progressive Citizens' Party and Patriotic Union started negotiations for the formation of a coalition government.[30] Hoop agreed to allow the Patriotic Union to enter government and for the introduction proportional representation to Liechtenstein, despite it being rejected via referendum three years prior.[1][31] The coalition was put into effect on 30 March 1938.[32][33] Under this coalition, deputy prime minister Anton Frommelt, a member of the Progressive Citizens' Party, was succeeded by Alois Vogt of the Patriotic Union.[34] In addition, Hoop's second cabinet was succeeded by a new cabinet, now containing several members of both parties.[35]

The following day, Franz I made Franz Joseph his regent Feldberg, Czechoslovakia. He later died on 25 July while at one of his family's castles, Castle Feldberg, with Franz Joseph formally succeeding him.[36][37] Although Franz stated that he had given the regency to Franz Joseph due to his old age, it was speculated that he did not wish to remain in control of the principality if Nazi Germany were to invade, primarily because his wife Elsa was of Jewish relation.[38][39] Due to the formation of the coalition government, Liechtenstein Nazis formed the German National Movement in Liechtenstein (VBDL).[40]

Starting from 1938, Hoop was faced with Swiss pressure to transfer the Ellhorn mountain to Switzerland. Though Hoop was supportive of the transfer, he argued that Liechtenstein should be fairly compensated for the loss of territory, such as through the transfer of Swiss land elsewhere or greater banking cooperation between the two countries. The proposition faced resistance from the residents in Balzers, and was not approved by Franz Joseph II.[41][42] Also facing unofficial objections from Nazi Germany, Hoop was forced to end the negotiations with Switzerland.[43]

Hoop (behind Franz Joseph II) outside the Reich Chancellery in Berlin on 2 March 1939

From 2 to 3 March 1939, Franz Josef, Hoop and Alois Vogt paid an official visit to Berlin where they met Adolf Hitler and Joachim von Ribbentrop in which they discussed safeguarding Liechtenstein's independence and neutrality while maintaining good relations.[44] Hitler met Franz Joseph and Hoop for a thirty minute meeting, but no negotiations took place.[29] Franz Joseph later reminisced on the visit and stated that Hitler showed little interest in them and that it only took place in order to "flatter Hitler's ego".[45]

World War II

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See also: Liechtenstein in World War II

Throughout World War II, Hoop considered friendly, non-binding, non-provocative diplomacy to be appropriate towards Nazi Germany, supplemented by courtesy gestures. In 1940, during a lecture in Stuttgart, Hoop showed respect for the German armies. He did not consider the reformation of the Liechtenstein Army in order to avoid provocation. Hoop rejected the fascist tendencies of the VBDL, but did not take direct action against it.[1] Instead, its actions were heavily restricted.[46]

At the same time, he tied the country as closely as possible to Switzerland during the war in hopes of retaining Liechtenstein's neutrality.[1] His government was given extensive powers to manage the economy during the war and it applied several swiss war economy laws to Liechtenstein.[47] He achieved the de facto inclusion of Liechtenstein in the Swiss national supply.[1] However, Swiss distrust of Liechtenstein's official stance grew, primarily due to the actions of the VBDL, and demanded that Hoop's government publicly declared its allegiance to Switzerland, which it did on 5 November 1940. In exchange, Switzerland agreed to a new alien police agreement that allowed Liechtenstein workers to freely travel and work in Switzerland.[46]

Throughout the war Hoop worked closely with Franz Joseph II. However, this relationship strained in the latter years.[1] This was primarily motivated by Franz Joseph re-opening the Swiss embassy in Bern in 1944 against the wishes of Hoop's government and the Landtag.[1][48] It was also further strained in 1945 by Hoop permitting Nazi Party member Hermann E. Sieger [de] asylum in Liechtenstein, who had been Hoop's primary contact in Nazi Germany since 1933.[1][49]

Resignation

[edit]

In September 1945, after seventeen years as prime minister, Hoop formally resigned due to a worsening heart condition and his desire to move on from the role.[10][50] He also remarked that Franz Joseph II had pressured him to do so, as the prince believed that post-war Liechtenstein required a change in leadership.[48] This belief stemmed from an ongoing diplomatic crisis involving the pro-Axis First Russian National Army led by General Boris Smyslovsky, which had taken refuge in Liechtenstein a few months prior.[51][52] This de facto dismissal of Hoop angered many within the Progressive Citizens' Party.[1] He was succeeded by Alexander Frick.[10][50]

Later life

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Hoop (second from left) at the opening of the new Landesbank building on 28 November 1953

In 1946, Hoop testified as a witness against the leaders of the German National Movement in Liechtenstein after they were charged for the 1939 coup attempt.[53] Multiple members of Hoop's government were indicted for their actions during the Second World War, notably his former Deputy Alois Vogt, but Hoop was never charged of anything.[54]

After resigning as prime minister, Hoop soon went on to study law at the University of Zurich and then at the University of Innsbruck in 1946, where he graduated and received a doctorate in 1948. After graduating, he worked as a lawyer in Vaduz.[1]

Hoop later served as a board member for the National Bank of Liechtenstein and president of the Liechtenstein Constitutional Court.[1] He re-entered into politics when he was elected to the Landtag in the 1957 general election, where he served until his death in 1959.[35] He was President of the Landtag of Liechtenstein from 1958 to 1959.[55]

Personal life and death

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Hoop married Emilie Gstöhl (27 February 1898 – 11 February 1997) in 1920; they had no children.[1] His niece, Emma Eigenmann was the first female to serve in the Landtag of Liechtenstein; she served from 1986 to 1993.[35][56]

Hoop, a habitual smoker throughout his adult life, died on 19 October 1959 due to heart failure following a surgery, at the age of 63 years.[57][58] He was buried in his home-town of Eschen and his funeral was attended by both Franz Joseph II and Princess Gina of Liechtenstein.[59] A street in Eschen is named after him.[60]

Hoop was regarded highly by Franz Joseph II due to his efforts to protect Liechtenstein's independence during World War II. He once said in retrospect that "Hoop saved the country".[1] Martin Risch, a member of the Liechtenstein Historical Association and Hoop's successor as President of the Landtag of Liechtenstein, described him as "one of the finest men to serve within Liechtenstein, for his long-term service in the country".[8]

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Josef Hoop was portrayed by French actor Pierre Vaneck in the film Vent d'est, released in 1993.[61]

Honours

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Geiger, Peter (31 December 2011). "Hoop,_Josef_(1895–1959)". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 26 October 2022.
  2. ^ "Hoop Franz Josef, stv. Landtagsabgeordneter". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. ^ Evelin, Oberhammer (31 December 2011). "Liechtenstein, Eduard von". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  4. ^ "Das österreichische Aussenministerium begrüsst die von der liechtensteinischen Regierung vorgeschlagene Aufhebung des Sichtvermerkzwanges". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). 12 August 1922. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  5. ^ "Josef Hoop, Geschäftsträger in Wien, beschwert sich über die geringe Entlöhnung des Botschaftspersonals". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). 8 June 1922. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  6. ^ "Josef Hoop, Geschäftsträger in Wien, teilt mit, dass die Auflösung der Wiener Gesandtschaft sich ungünstig auf die Beziehungen zu Österreich auswirken werde". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). 2 July 1923. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  7. ^ "Die Regierung protestiert gegen die Vorsprache von Josef Hoop, Geschäftsträger in Wien, beim österreichischen Aussenminister wegen der Aufhebung der Wiener Gesandtschaft". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). 2 September 1923. Retrieved 25 July 2023.
  8. ^ a b Risch 1959.
  9. ^ a b "Gröffnungsiikung des Landtages am Gamstag". Liechtensteiner Volksblatt (in German). 7 August 1928. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  10. ^ a b c "Liechtenstein Gets New Chief". The New York Times. 4 September 1945. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  11. ^ "Mitglieder der Regierung des Fürstentums Liechtenstein 1862-2021" (PDF). www.regierung.li. Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  12. ^ Büchel, Donat (31 December 2011). "Sparkassaskandal". Historisches Lexikon (in German). Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  13. ^ Nohlen & Stöver 2010, p. 1164.
  14. ^ Nohlen & Stöver 2010, p. 1182.
  15. ^ Burmeister, Karl Heinz; Geiger, Peter (31 December 2011). "Juden". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  16. ^ a b c "Rotter-Entführung". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). 16 August 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  17. ^ Geiger 1997b, p. 52.
  18. ^ Kamber 2020, p. 373–400.
  19. ^ a b Geiger 1997b, p. 55.
  20. ^ Geiger 1997b, pp. 54–55.
  21. ^ Geiger 1997b, pp. 56–59.
  22. ^ Geiger 1997a, p. 453.
  23. ^ Geiger 1997a, p. 454.
  24. ^ Schremser, Jürgen (31 December 2011). "Vogelsang, Carl Freiherr von". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  25. ^ Geiger 1997a, pp. 468–470.
  26. ^ Geiger 1997a, pp. 472–473.
  27. ^ Geiger 1997b, pp. 116–118.
  28. ^ Geiger 2007, pp. 142–143.
  29. ^ a b Geiger, Peter (31 December 2011). "Hitler, Adolf". Historical Lexicon of the Principality of Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 17 January 2025.
  30. ^ Büchel, Donat (31 December 2011). "Märzkrise". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  31. ^ Nohlen & Stöver 2010, p. 1172.
  32. ^ Büchel, Donat (31 December 2011). "Märzkrise". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  33. ^ Marxer, Wilfred (31 December 2011). "Koalition". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  34. ^ Schremser, Jürgen (31 December 2011). "Vogt, Alois". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 26 May 2023.
  35. ^ a b c Vogt 1987.
  36. ^ "Prince Franz to Return to Estate". Daily News. 1 April 1938. p. 216. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ "Oldest Former Ruler Succumbs". Kenosha News. 26 July 1938. p. 1. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  38. ^ "Prince Franz of the 'Postage Stamp State' Retires". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 1 May 1938. p. 76. Archived from the original on 21 April 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  39. ^ "NAZIS IN CABINET IN LIECHTENSTEIN; Prince Franz Joseph, the New Ruler, Names Them Though Pledging Independence HITLER MOVEMENT GAINS Its Growing Strength Was One Reason for Abdication of Franz 1, Old Sovereign". The New York Times. 1 April 1938. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  40. ^ Marxer, Wilfried (31 December 2011). "Volksdeutsche Bewegung in Liechtenstein (VDBL)". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  41. ^ Geiger 1997b, pp. 300–311.
  42. ^ Meier, Günther (11 December 2023). "Die Angst vor feindlichen Truppen: Wie die «Loreley des Alpenrheins» den Besitzer wechselte". Neue Zürcher Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  43. ^ Büchel, Donat (31 December 2011). "Ellhorn". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  44. ^ "Prince Franz Josef II visits Adolf Hitler in Berlin". Liechtenstein Institute (in German). 27 March 2019. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  45. ^ "Liechtenstein's Prince Franz Josef II, 83". Los Angeles Times. 15 November 1989. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  46. ^ a b Geiger, Peter (31 December 2011). "Zweiter Weltkrieg". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  47. ^ Vogt, Alfred (31 December 2011). "Landesversorgung". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  48. ^ a b Wanger, Harald (31 December 2011). "Liechtenstein, Franz Josef II". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  49. ^ Hassler, Hermann (31 December 2011). "Sieger, Hermann E." Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 18 January 2025.
  50. ^ a b "Liechtenstein gets a new boss". Stars and Stripes Newspaper Southern France. Nice. 6 September 1945. p. 4. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  51. ^ "LIECHTENSTEIN IN CRISIS; Principality's Cabinet Cites Lack of 'Freedom of Action'". The New York Times. 21 July 1945. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  52. ^ Tolstoy 1977.
  53. ^ "Josef Hoop sagt als Zeuge über die Tätigkeit von Friedrich Bock als Leiter der NSDAP-Ortsgruppe Liechtenstein aus". Staatsarchiv des Fürstentum Liechtenstein (in German). 24 November 1945. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
  54. ^ Schremser, Jürgen (31 December 2011). "Vogt, Alois". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  55. ^ "Mitglieder - Präsidenten" (in German). 27 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019.
  56. ^ "Eigenmann-Schädler, Emma". Historisches Lexikon des Fürstentums Liechtenstein (in German). 31 December 2011. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
  57. ^ "DR. JOSEF HOOP, 64, DEAD;". The New York Times. 20 October 1959. Archived from the original on 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  58. ^ "Parliament Chief Dies". Long Beach Independent. Long Beach, California. 20 October 1959. p. 15. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
  59. ^ Hartmann, Gerhard (5 October 2012). "Franz Josef Hoop". Österreichische Cartellverband (in German). Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  60. ^ "Dr. Josef Hoop Straße, 9492 Eschen". map.search.ch. Retrieved 14 September 2013.
  61. ^ "VENT D'EST (1993)". BFI. Archived from the original on 20 September 2021.

Bibliography

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