FIVE RELEASED

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 1 September 1942, Page 1

FIVE RELEASED

SYDNEY INTERNEES "AUSTRALIA FIRST CASE Sydney, Aug. 28. ! The wife of Mr P. R. Stephensen. who 1 has been interned with other members | of the Australia First Movement, told a “Sydney Morning Herald" reporter that her husband was still determined to ! have a public trial, and would not ap- ! peal to the tribunal. ' I approve his attitude." >hc -aid. I "as I do not think that any good can j corre if he is released after his case i* I heard in camera, and he is forced to sign a statement similar to that signed by the five men who have already been released." Mrs Stephensen said she understood that the conditions cf release were tnat the men must not associate with r members ol the movement, and that they must not take part in any p ! it. cal activity for the duration of the vm She said that of the 16 men inV r.eri in New South Wales — who had io c nection w ith the four people concerned lin tlie Western Australian trial- hvim had refused to appeal and nine lad ! appealed. Ol those nine, five had been ! released, and two had withdrawn their i appeals because of the method ol ques i tioning. Papers for release of the < '• er j two had not come through, j "To release the men under the e< :i j ditions laid down is outrageous. Vrs j Stephensen said. "If the men are innoI cent, no conditions should be imp »-. i land if they are guilty then they uie • not fit to be released. « | "It was said in the beginning that no names were to be mentioned, as it I might prejudice the ease of the men. • but my husband's name has been broad, i east throughout the country in a>so.:ia : tion with such words as 'assassination, j ‘treason,’ ‘conspiracy.' ‘traitor’ and J sabotage.' That is sufficient to damn a man for life. "I am now allowed t<> Vee my husband ! for two half hours each week." Mr> 1 Stephensen said "Then he is behind ! wire, and armed guards hover behind both of us during the whole of the coni versation."