COURTMARTIAL VERDICTS

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1928, Page 2

COURTMARTIAL VERDICTS

COMMENT IN LONDON. , failed Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON. April 8. Although Mr W. O. Bridgeman, First Lord of the Admiralty, announced on Thursday that an Admiralty statement on the Koval Oak position would follow. it is unlikely that there will he any development at present. Air Bridgeman is spending Easter in Normandy. and will he there at least a week.

Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel have telegraphed that they are leaving for London from Gibraltar by the. Kanpura on Sunday.

Major-General Sir K. Hutchison, M.P. interviewed, said: “The punishment of Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel may prove to he nominal. I doubt whether the public* realise how Admiral Collard has suffered. ’ Commander J. M. Kenworthv, M.P. said: “If the future careers ol the oflicers are to he unduly prejudiced, I think tlm matter ought to he raised in the House of Commons.’’

The ‘-Daily Chronicle'' urges Parliament to draw the Admiralty's attention to the regulations in eo mice lion with tin' c*ntiris-mattiiil and naval discipline. The fact that findings so completely opposed to the public sense of justice are possible shows that an amendment it needed.

The -‘Daily Express” says: “Public opinion may be summarised as follows: First, the whole incident is discreditable to the naval authorities. This mismanagement that permitted the impression to arise that a mutiny was created out of a vulgar jazz hand squabble deserves the strongest cellsure. Second. Admiral Collard cannot Ke acquitted of his share ol responsibility for the incident and the consequences. Third, Captain Dewar and Commander Daniel broke the regulations and eained their sentences. Their actions were prompt-id by excessive zeal and loyalty to the personnel, and for that reason their case deserves special consideration. They tiiould ho re-employed at an early date. The “Daily Herald” says: “It

should not he forgotten that the svs tern of which Captain Dewar and Communiler Daniels are victims is a system under which less exalted ratings sailer even harsher treatment, with the odds still more heavily weighted against them. For them there is no publicity, only punishment.” The “Daily Telegraph” says: “Puhlit- opinion lias taken a much wider view than courts-martial are competent to take. It has arrived at the conclusion that those things ought never to have happened in connection with a service for whoso reputation every patriotic British subject is jealously concerned. The statement from I In* Admiralty promised hv Air Bridgeman is certainly necessary. It is hoped that it will he of such a nature as to show that conditions no the Royal Oak cannot he regarded as typical of the morale and spirit of self-restraint among officers throughout the service.” The “Morning Post” docs not doubt the justice of the decision, and hopes that the matter will he allowed to rest. A ILMIRA LTV INTENTIONS. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) LONDON. April S. Il is understood the Admiralty in--1 11 <Is to carefully consider the docuincnls relating to the Royal Oak court martial to determine whether they disclose anything to justify a. remission of the sentences imposed on Dewar and Daniel.

The “Sunday .Express” points out that both have hrilliant records in gunnery ami the authorities will have a natural reluctance to lose their services, in view of the vital importance of gmmerv and tin* heavy cost ol train-

Regarding Admiral Uollard the " Morning Post " naval correspondent points out lie Inis received the heaviest punishment possible. Following letters from Dewar and Daniel. Sir Roger Keyes ordered a conn inquiry to investigate. 1 poll considering the report of this court Admiral Keyes reached the conclusion that tile conduct of all three officers was open to question. I Imrelore, lie relieved litem of their respective duties. The Admiralty subsequently confirmed this act ion. Admiral Uollard. satisfied that he had acted with a lack ol discretion and judgment. accepted the ruling of the Comniaiider-in-Oliicl and hauled down the Hag and declined to hoist, it temporarily on another ship, pending the Admiralty confirmation, 'fli is whs :i bitter blow amt unfortunately Ills action lias not been allowed to have (lie result he desired. Dewar mid Daniel did not accept the judgment of Keyes and on arriving in England asked for a reinstatement on their ship or a court martial. The Admiralty granted a court martial and the result is known.

It is staled from Gibraltar that Admiral Uollard is still on full pay and Dewar and Daniel are going home at their own expense. Dewar s half pa\ is about fc(!80 per annum and Daniel’s t inn.