THE OFFICIAL MURDER IN BELGIUM

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2599, 22 October 1915, Page 5

THE OFFICIAL MURDER IN BELGIUM

FATE OF MISS CAVELL GERMAN DECEIT EXPOSED By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Rec. October 22, 1.30 a.m.) London, October 21. In connection with the trial and execution of Miss Cavell, the English hospital nurse, by the Germans in Belgium,' the following facts have transpired:— After tho trial the American Legation continually inquired as to tho progress of the case, and was definitely informed the day before the execution that no sentence bad been given. The Legation, however, heard privately at 10 o'clock in tho evening that she had beon sentenced to bo shot at 2 o'clock in the morning. Mr. Gibson, secretary to the Legation,, accompanied by the Spanish Ambassador, hurried to see Von der Lanoken, representing the German Civil Administration, to ask for a postponement of the execution. Von der Lanoken for some time protested that there was no truth in the rumour, and finally said that the military authorities considered that the infliction of the death sentence was imperative. Mr. Gibson pointed out that Miss (iavell had spent her life assisting others, and had tended German soldiers at her hospital. He emphasised the horror of executing a woman. Here there was no charge of espionage. He pointod out the fearful effect that a summary execution of this sort would have on public opinion in Belgium and abroad. It might even lead to refusals. The Spanish Minister forcibly supported Mr. Gibson, but all their efforts proved fruitless. An English clergyman was allowed to ! see Miss Cavell in her cell at 10 o'clock, and gave her Holy Communion. Ho found her admirably strong and calm. She said she was happy to die for her country. The dispatches disclose the fact that the failure to prevent the execution was a very severe blow to the American Legation, which particularly resents the Germans fail- - ing to notify the Ambassador of tho sentence.

Sir Edward Grey, in thanking Mr. Brand Whitlock, says he is publishing the dispatch without delay, to forestall any unjustcriticism due to the German administration's discreditable but successful efforts to conceal the fact that the sentence passed was- being carried, out immediately, and adds: 5 "These efforts wero doubtless prompted by their determination to carry out the sentence before an appeal to a higher authority was possible."