NAVAL SECRETS.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 703, 31 December 1909, Page 5

NAVAL SECRETS.

PECULIAR < lECUMSTiNCES'OI? THE VERNON CASE. WIRELESS IMPROVEMENTS. By Ttloßraph-Presa AssociaUon-Oonyrlght. London, December 39. Mr. R. H. Bodkin, prosecuting on bohalf of tho Public Prcßcator, stated tho jjround; of tho proceedings against Riohard Sidney KnowlMen, 'aged 2i, a draughtsman, who is charged at Portsmouth with having stolen a wireless Mp?raj;h receiver from tho torpedo sohool ship Vernonj also of having, under the Official Secrets Act, unlawfully ohtained plans, models, and sketches of an' apparatus connected with the ethergraph. Mr. Bodkin oxplained that Knonlcdra was charged with taking doenmonts containing secret information, bnt not with imparting it to anyono else. Eighty documents and instruments ivoro found in his domicile. For upwards of two years he had been connected with tho wiicless telegraphing school, and was very clever. In Juno last he was seen copying wireless plans, and was cautioned. Ho explained that the copies wore meant to help him in preparing for an examination. Tho explanation was considered reasonably satisfactory, but notices prohibiting similar conduct wore posted On tho ship. Throe detectors found in bis possession contained important improvements the result of exjeuments bj the Vomon's officers, and the»drawing constituted a record of the latest discoveries. Tho accused, who resened his defence, was committed for trial. Bail was allowed.