INTERNAL GERMANY.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1921, Page 2

INTERNAL GERMANY.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION A LEIPZIG ACQUITTAL. BERLIN, June 5. A semi official statement emphasises that the acquittal of Sergt Neumann was solely due to the . fact that he act- } ed in obedience to the orders of liis superior. The question of the legality of these orders will form the subject of other proceedings at the conclusion of the trial. Counsel for the defence said his task was easy. He had merely to follow in the footsteps of the prosecutor. Counsel emphasised the argument that hospital ships were only useable for naval operations. Germany was entitled to disregard the Hague Convention in view of Britain’s use of hospital ships in connection with land warfare, but Germany for reasons of humanity, did not go so far. He maintained that the Dover Castle had forfeited all claim to protection.

The judges retired, and meanwhile the accused strolled with a self-satisfied air through th e crowded lobbies. The President, on the resumption, announced the acquittal, and said the Ger man Government would bear all costs. He declared that accused did not exceed his orders in the slightest He was not «uilty of cruelty as the Allies alleged. The Court was of the opinion that his orders were justified.