ALLEGED LIBEL

Evening Star, Issue 19787, 10 February 1928, Page 8

ALLEGED LIBEL

‘ DAILY EXPRESS ’ SUED EXPLORER'S CLAIM Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, February 8. The explorer, Mr F. A. MitchellHedges, i.s claiming damages from the ‘ Daily Express ’ for lihel, allegedly contained in a report to the effect, that his hold-up of January 15, 1927. was a hoax and a, publicity enterprise, -tie detailed the adventure, and denied previous knowledge of tho attack. Mr AV. A. 'Jowitt, K.C., sharply cross-examined him as to whether he was a real explorer of the British bulldog breed or a “newspaper stuntist. Questioned regarding his war record, claimant said that he volunteered lor the army, but was totally rejected . tie tried to enlist in America, but failed. Mr Jowitt questioned him regarding his claim that he had discovered an unknown race in Panama, suggesting that he never knew a. word of the langnage, though ho chiiiuod to nucleistan'd the meaning of tho conversations of the tribal chiefs Claimant admitted that the expenses of the expedition were paid by Lady Richmond Brown, and that he was bankrupt in 1911. . . Mr Jowitt; “1 started by pointing out the distinction between'two types of explorers—the one who tells of an adventure modestly* in a scientific manner and the other, who has bogus adventures and publicity stunts. You see why I am asking the question? ’ Claimant; “Oh, yes.” The hearing was adjourned. [Mr Mitchell-Hedges has devoted his life to exploration and deep sea research work, chiefly in American Republics, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. He went on an expedition into the interior of British Honduras in 1925, and commenced the work of dealing and excavating the Maya city, returning with many specimens taken from the ancient burial mounds. He is the author of many notable scientific works.]