A FRENCH HOAX

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1927, Page 4

A FRENCH HOAX

RELEASE OF DAUDET

(Australian A N.Z. fable Association. PARIS, >lune '25. A llovalist practical joker, imitating the voice of M. Sairaut, French Minister of the Interior, telephoned the prison authorities and ordered the release of M. Daudel (Royalist leader, who. as cabled on June 13th. was imprisoned for libelling a laxi-diivcr in whose vehicle the son ol Daudel was last xear found shot dead). Ihe prison authorities complied with the order, and Al. Daiulet- has no" departed from Paris.

Following, the release of M. Dander ail Paris is laughing at the Royalist' hoax, which is declared to be the ecu tury’s masterpiece of practical joking

The exploit is also most popular, o" - jug to there being widespread resentment against Al. Baudot's imprisonment. The joke included M. Sent art- ia Communist. Leader) who was also released. Tiiis is regarded as a reline-im-ul of subtlety, tints doubling the embarrassment of the Government, Which lias not yet issued any statement. Indeed, official quarters have a difficulty in maintaining their dignity. The newspaper "L’Action I- r;iticaise'-’ reveals that fifteen members of the C amelots Du Rot arranged the hoax. One of them went to the Ministry of the Interior, and the others to adjacent cafes, and they all telephoned t i tin-- Saute Prison, engaging all the lines, but the conspirator in the Ministry of the interior alone spoke, asking for AL Cntry. the Director of the Gaol, to whom he said that the Cabinet had decided upon the immediate release of M. Daudet and of his associate. Al. Delest. and also M. Famart. Secretary of the Communist Party.

The conspirator added that they must, be let out immediately, before any news of the decision got about, so as to pievont demonstrations. AL Cntry, the Gaol Director, was suspicious, and ho rang off’, lnit lie rang u)i the .Ministry again. As the conspirators wore still holding nil the

lines, the Gaol Director was merely put through to the C’amelot, who was posing as AT. Sarraut’s Deputy Chef De Cabinet. The latter then replied: ‘I have just, telephoned you! Hurry up. and carry out your orders, or I shall get into hot water.’’ Af. C'ntry, being now satisfied, burned to Al. Dnudot’s coll, announced the news, and tearfully embraced the prisoner, whose effects were made hurriedly into a parcel and a taxi was then hailed, in which Al. Daudet nnd AT. Delest were then driven off to an unknown destination by a Camelot who was acting as chaffeur.

AL .Soniarf, the Secretary of the Communist Party, says: “Cntry came to my cell, and told me that I was free. Ho said T must leave within half an hour.”

M. Poincare. Premier of France, was unveiling a war memorial in the north-east of Paris, while the farce wa-s being carried out. He then summoned a meeting of the Cabinet for the evening.

Meanwhile the Minister of Justice held a Council of AA’ar and ordered Af. Catry (the Gaol Director) to give an account of his stewardship. When the Cabinet met. it suspended AT. Catrv. pending bis trial by n disciplinary court. I he Cabinet has also ordered an inquiry. and it the Royalists are identified. they will he prosecuted for a usurpation of functions. LONDON. June 2d. rhe •• Sunday Express ” Paris dotrespondent state Daudet was unaware of the hoax till Camelot, a chauffeur joked about the plot. Daudet fearing Catr\ would suffer wished to return hut was persuaded to go to a secret rendezvous and continue the fight against the Government. PARIS. .Tune 20. W lien Daudet was apprised of his release. he was finishing his lunch, drinking a bottle of champagne. He was overjoyed, tipped the gaolers and distributed bottles of champagne and various articles of food which ho possessed. The staff of Bastion Franeaise relobrated bis release in champagne. Semnrt says he is willing to surrender if the Court of Cassation upholds his conviction.