During the Battle of Britain, the British government required a secure location to store over 186,000 bars of gold, resulting in Operation Fish, where the gold was transported to and stored in a vault in Montreal. This operation highlighted Canada’s ability to maintain secrecy.
Similarly, a famous diamond, the 137-carat Florentine diamond, has resurfaced after being in a Canadian bank vault for decades. With a rich history of adorning European royalty, its whereabouts were shrouded in mystery following its disappearance after World War II. Initially moved for safekeeping by Emperor Charles I of Austria-Hungary during World War I, the diamond was later transported to Canada by his family, who fled Europe during WWII.
The diamond’s location was kept secret by Empress Zita, who requested that its existence remain undisclosed for 100 years after her husband’s death in 1922. Only her two sons knew of its hiding place, which was eventually passed down to the next generation. Zita settled in Quebec, where she left her jewelry in a bank after returning to Europe in 1953.
The diamond has a debated origin, possibly once owned by historical figures like Charles the Bold or the Medici family. Its absence led to speculation, including the possibility that it was stolen by Nazis or hidden in various locations. Recent confirmation by experts has established the diamond found in Canada as the genuine Florentine diamond. The family intends to display it in a museum but has not disclosed its value or plans to sell it.
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