THE LIBEL CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 December 1923, Page 2

THE LIBEL CASE.

I NTE R KSTI NO DI SC LOS UR KS ”‘Svdnev Sun” Cables). LONDON. Dec. 12 In the Douglas case, Hayes’ counsel for Douglas, said 1 suggest Cassel influenced and dominated Churchill 20 years before and alter Jutland. Replying to .Justice Avorv. who inquired the purpose of cross-examination wherein Churchill agreed Cabinet ineluding Asquith, Lloyd George, Grey and himself sent Cassell on a naval mission to Germany during the Agadir crisis, in the hope of averting war, Hayes asked “Was there not a British horn subject more qualified than, a German horn.” 'Churchill —‘‘It- was a way of getting in touch with the Kaiser, wherewith Cassell was a faithful, loyal British subject, persona grata. The result was a better Anglo-German understanding.’ Haves—Why was a German born Sir Speyer, made a Privy Councillor in 1912." Churchill -“You had better ask Mr Asquith.” He admitted Speyer was afterwards deprived of his honours owing to behaving improperly. Hayes asked if Cabinet trusted both Cassell and Speyer. Churchill—A cs. He denied that when he attended Kiel regatta on the eve of the war lie allowed the Kaiser to humbug himself and Cabinet. Tie did not think Germany intended war beloro the Seraievo murder. Churchill denied that Cassell iiillueneod him regarding German overtures. He only desired to prevent an Anglo-German breach. lie also denied the allegation that he remarked during a conversation in 1919 —“The Jutland busines was a Lit thick, hut wo got the money out of it by working the stock exchanges on a false communique.'’