ALLEGED LIBEL

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 113, 10 February 1928, Page 9

ALLEGED LIBEL

CLAIM AGAINST LONDON PAPER REPORTED HOLD-UP OF AN EXPLORER BY Telegraph.—Press association. Copyright. (Rcc. February 9, 6.55 p.m.) London, February 8. The explorer Frederick Alfred Mit-chell-Hedges is claiming damages from the “Dailv Express” for libel, allegedly contained in a report to the effect that the hold-up on January 15, 1927, was a hoax and a publicity enterprise. Hedges detailed the adventure and denied previous knowledge of the attack. Sir. Jowitt, King’s Counsel, sharply cross-examined Hedges as to whether he was a real explorer of the British bulldog breed or a “newspaper stuntist.” • . . Questioned regarding Ins war record, Hedges said he volunteered for the armv, but was totally rejected. He also’ tried to enlist in America, but failed. Mr. Jowitt questioned Hedges regarding the latter’s claim that he had discovered an unknown race in Panama, suggesting that Hedges never knew a word of the language, though he claimed to understand the meaning of conversations of tribal chiefs. Hedges admitted that the expenses of the expedition were paid by' Lady Richmond Brown, also that he was bankrupt in 1911 Mr. Jowitt: I started by pointing out the distinction between two. types of explorers—one who tells an adventure modestly in a scientific manner, and the other who has bogus adventures and publicity stunts. Aou see why 1 am asking the question. Hedges: Oh, yes. The hearing was adjourned. [Mr. Mitchell-Hedges while driving from London to Bournemouth was reported to have been attacked by several men, who eventually' ’an away, 'lhe attack was later declared to be a practical joke by a number of young men who had taken exception to some remarks by Mr. Mitchell-Hedges about the lack of adventure in the British youth of to-day.]