COURT MARTIAL

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1933, Page 6

COURT MARTIAL

STEWARTS EVIDENCE

i SENSATIONAL EPISODES,

(United Press Association —By Electric 1,!; ; Telegiapn—Copyright.)

(Received Match- 24 at 12.15 pun.) LONDON, 'March 23.

“Stewart has always had peculiar

attraction for women. He has placed hi iris-elf in a discreditable position by-Staking the opportunity--of Marie Louise’s infatuation to obtain money blit he is not guilty of treachery toward liis c ountry,’-’ said Norman Barites, counsel, in opening - the defence.

Stewart, in evidence said: “I was Prince Henry’s orderly at Sandhurst. I. visited Berlin where 1 registered at an hotel in my own name a n<l rank. I was sitting in a cafe when Obst, whom 1 bad never previously met, asked how- I was enjoying my visit, and offered to find a companion. Next day he introduced mo to Marin Louise and we met frequently.

“When 1 was leaving T suggested a flying visit to Holland. -She eagerly assented to this, resulting in my notes of train times. I agreed to visit Holland partly as an adventure, but 1 anticipated . financial, assistance. I met her in Holland on 2ith. August. She gave me £lO in Dutch money. 1 revisited Holland in October when I received £0 and again in November when 1, promised to go to Berlin in the- poring. She wanted me to bring my motor car. Shortly afterwards I received £SO, Marie Louise adopting the: subterfuge of a loan, which I followed. She also suggested I should communicate through Obst. 1 adopted the pseudonym because I objected to my own name going through an intermediary. I received £SO, after my letters wore opened, I thought, possibly by mother.”

' • Stewart explained that he had the telephone number of the German War Office because he intended to discuss rgimental Easons. He explained the possession of newpaper cuttings and tank a>hotographs W his li'abit of keening scrapbooks, while the references to tanks equipment, and automatic rifle concerned an argument witn his brother, who was -a soldier. He added: “I never permitted the text books to leave my. possession or disclosed the-, contents, i never suspected Obst e*r Marie Louise of being secret agents. I never discussed .military matters with them.”'

C'rois-exaininetl regarding Marie 'Louise’s social .status, whether single or married, he-replied: “I took eve-jy-•thing for granted, 1 saw no reason .to look a gjif.t house., in the mouth.” •He .admitted, that she way apparently infatuated, with him. He thought little of her. He! denied- he went to Aldershot before the trip to Holland, to obtain text books.

The Judge- Advocate- -.asked : “Was the .journey solely to get money from a- girl you cared little about.”

Stewart: All'llafis what I liciped.” The case'Was adjolafned.