PASSPORT CONSPIRACY CASE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2351, 6 January 1915, Page 5

PASSPORT CONSPIRACY CASE

RAMIFICATIONS WIDESPREAD HIGH GERMAN OFFICIAL IMPLICATED „, ~ ,1 : , \ 1V New Yor l<i January 4. Altogether there were eleven arrests on the steamer Bergensfjord The steamer was five miles out when'secret service officers pursued and overtook her. A number of German officers had previously escaped on ' a ' similar manner. . • . . A big organisation has been unearthed, the object of which was to repatriate a thousand officers. • North Gorman-Llovd and Hamburg Amerika nffi cials are concerned. ' . ' The indications are that the thirty German reservists, who are'Ger-man-Americans, will be prosecuted in tho fraudulent passport conspiracy case' The ramifications are so widespread and tho diplomatic situation so delicate that President Wilson is directing the Secret Service Department's investigations. «■"■...• The "New York Herald" hints that a high German official will be asked to explain Jus connection with the conspiracy. ' The inquiry is proceeding slowly, but there will be no 'definite step taken until every detail of the plot is ascertained. L The "Herald" adds: "It is doubtful whether its fullextent will be revealed nntil the end of the war."

[The authorities have, it is believed discovered a conspiracy to. secure the passage of dermam reservists by a Norwegian steamer by means of fniidulent passports taken out by naturalised Germans.] • .