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How could one of the world's tiniest countries, with less than 40,000 people today, consider involvement in a frontier the size of Alaska? Apparently it was a consideration before the United States bought the territory from Russia. Following is a translation of a report in the Swiss media, along with the link (in German).

«It is certainly not a rumor» In a letter, Prince Hans-Adam II confirms an Alaska purchase offer from the Russian tsar to the princely house. The lack of a written document does not surprise him.

Alaska.
With its show «SRF bi de Lüt – Live», Swiss television had wanted to bring the small principality closer to its viewers from a wide range of perspectives on 17 November – and at the same time make some locals pay attention in amazement. In particular, the information that the Russian tsar had offered Liechtenstein's Prince Alaska for sale before the area was sold to the US in 1867 caused widespread astonishment and scepticism.

Memories of family discussions

In a letter to the Liechtenstein daily newspapers, however, Prince Hans-Adam II has now confirmed the existence of such an offer. «It's certainly not a rumour,» he underlines in it. He could recall that the offer to buy had been discussed again and again in an internal family.
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