GERMAN SPY ON LINER.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 276, 18 May 1917, Page 2 (Supplement)

GERMAN SPY ON LINER.

A FATAL PRECAUTION

THE SPECTACLES

Ail interesting story of the detection of a captain of the Imperial German Staff, who spied in America and was captured on a neutral boat at Falmouth, while on his way home, via Holland, is told in the Daily Express. His name is Beehm.

Some months ago Boehm travelled by a neutral boat from Holland to New York. When he arrived he adopted the guise of an American citizen and the name of Thrasher. As Mr Thrasher, he made a prolonged tour in North and South America, and gleaned much military and political information which he knew would be of great value to his brother Huns.

About a month ago he started on his return journey to Germany. First of all, with the aid of two friends, whom lie employed to act as his guarantors, he obtained a false passport in the name of Thrasher, which described him as an American citizen. With this pass]>ort and a considerable quantity of American and English monev, and with a most pronounced American accent, he hoped to steer his way through all difficulties.

Matters went well for him until, by the power of the British Navy, the neutral vessel in which he travelled put into Falmouth to discharge those passengers whose destination was England and to allow the examination of those proceeding to Holland. The man who called himself Thrasher intended to go on to Holland. HIS MISTAKE. He prepared himself for the ordeal of examination. His accent was American of the finest brand. His clothes were also obviouslvp American. Apparently lie thought these precautions were not all-sufficient, for he developed shortsightedness and wore spectacles. This proved to be his undoing, for a far-sighted officer noticed that the shortsighted Thrasher did not appear altogether easy. His spectacles seemed to worry him. He wore them as though they were strangers. A little thing like that excites suspicion in war time. Thrasher was questioned and cross-questioned. He was tested for his English, his German, and his American, and the suspicion grew into a certainty. Thrafiier was asked to go ashore, and there he was put to such a severe cross-examination that he confessed his real name was Boehm.

The police then took possession of him, conducted him to Loudon, and, after various formalities had been gone through, he was removed to an interment camp.