INNOCENCE CLAIMED

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1933, Page 5

INNOCENCE CLAIMED

l i AT 1 .LIE-STEWART CASE ECHO

QUESTIONS RAISED IN HOUSE,

(United Press Association—jjy Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

LONDON, Nov. 15

In the House of Commons, Mr J. McGovern (Labour, Glasgow) asked:— “Was the War Office prepared to have the whole of the evidence of Lieutenan Bailie Stewart’s courtmartial case submitted to a Legal Committee of the House, with the permission to take fresh evidence, m view of the growing belief, both in and outside of the service, of Lieutenant Baillie Stewart’s innocence?”

Mr A. Duff Cooper (Conservative) replied that the Government were not aware that anv fresh evidence was available, or that there was any growing belief in the innocence of Lieut. Baillie Stewart. In point of fact, Lieut. Baillie Stewart had made a full confession of lis guilt 'after he had been convicted.

Mr McGovern: “Can you; produce his written confession?” Mr Duff Cooper: “It is not in the public interest to publish it.” Mr McGovern: “In view of your unsatisfactory. reedy, I will raise the matter at the -

Mr McGovern later stated: “I have been warned that I should probably receive such answers, and also that there would be no truth in them. I an now sending a letter to Lord Hailsham (Secretary for War) asking to seo the confession and also to visit Lieut. Baillie Stewart.”

The father of Lieut. Baillie Stewart declared that it was absolutely impossible for his son to have confessed,