Djuber Castle, in the Crimea, became the compulsory residence of the
Romanoff family in April, 1918, after their removal from Tobolsk,
Siberia. A correspondent of the Frankfurter Zeitung who visited the
ex-Czar in May gives this account of his new prison home:
"The castle is splendidly situated with a commanding view of
the sea. The vicinity is embellished by beautiful residences.
Twenty-five Soviet soldiers form the special guard of the former
imperial family; armed with rifles and machine guns and hand
grenades, they are under the orders of one officer. These soldiers
are determined to prevent any attempt at flight, but, on the other
hand, they are also firmly resolved to protect the ex-imperial
family against any odious attack. Till recently the Romanoffs
spent money freely on their garrison, but now they have financial
difficulties, and can no longer pay the soldiers so well. The
presence of the Soviet soldiers is sometimes irksome to the
imperial family, but at times they are also glad to show their
appreciation at being protected against the raids of brigands
who infest the country. * * * Grand Duke Nicholas refused to be
interviewed, declaring that as a private individual he had nothing
to say."