COMMUNIST TRIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1927, Page 3

COMMUNIST TRIAL

PLOTTING AGAINST BRITAIN. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Dec. 4. Prosecuting Hansen McCartney at Bow Street, Air Travers Humphreys revealed that a foreign power concerned was Russian. He said McCartney, a British communist, in Paris was approached by Gcorgo Alonkland, an underwriter for Lloyds, asking information regarding the shipping of arms to Ksthonia and Lithuania. Alonkland supplied inaccurate information and received £25 from AlcCartnev. 'I he latter said he was a Russian agent, and supplied thirteen questions regarding British forces. Alonkland realised he was lteing asked to betray his country and went to Admiral Sir Reginald Hall, whcovould be called as a witness. Hall placed Alonkland in touch with the authorities. A Government official known for the purposes of the case as Peter Hamilton, directed Afoukland’s actions, and received documents that AlcCartnev handed over that included a letter signed by H. K. Johnson : Tell AL J. Alonkland I have great holies he will become one of our most important men. If he delivers the real goods lie can have a large lump sum. McCartney explained to Alonkland that the agents employed in the matter were known as Johnson first, Johnson second etc. 1 Hamilton provided a hook relating to the training of the air force, which was valueless owing to a forthcoming revision. Humphreys pointed out that McCartney was ohviously well-informed as he returned the book, saying it was useless. McCartney, after a visit to Berlin, obtained a passport in the name of Hudson. He handed over a second questionnaire. Asked if a shipment of Vickers Guns via other countries was possible and whether the allotment of aeroplanes was beyond parliament s authorization j if aeroplanes performances were obtainable; also information of supermarines flight to the Baltic; who was backing the Polish loan.

Hansen, in a letter to Alonkkuid, said that carrying according to instructions he had recovered the hook of Ashmead Bartlett’s tragedy in Central Europe. He kept an appointment whereafter Hansen was followed and arrested. Alonkland evidenced that -McCartney had orders if lie had most valuable information was to go to the Russian Embassy, see the attache and say he was a member of the firm of Alonkland. He added that when Arcos was raided McCartney telepohned him to destroy valuable documents. The fatter said I am able to warn Arcos that a raid was coming off. He showed a. letter signed by Barton written on Carlton Hotel notepaper, saying that the raid,was ordered. AlcCartney also said a sergeant of the Tank Corps, and an employee at the aeroplane works, Southampton, was supplying in forma tion.

Major General Carter, Director of •Staff Duties at the AVar Office, gave evidence that it would be prejudicial to public safety to publish the questionnaire statement. McCartney’s writing regarding mechanised force manoeuvres was found on AlcCartney. A typist, Audrey La wren cel aw, gave evidence of AlcCartney using the i.anie of Johnson and ordering copies of documents regarding aeroplanes. She was told he would not use the baeking-slieet till later on. By the Government’s instructions the Department obtained copies of AlcC'nrtney’s memos. The hearing was adjourned.