MURDER OF NURSE CAVELL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 45, 22 October 1915, Page 3

MURDER OF NURSE CAVELL

[Unitku Press Association.] London, October 21. Sir Edward Grey's report to the American Legation states:— Asked why she did this, Nurse Cavell said that she believed the Germans shot soldiers and therefore her duty was to save live*. After the trial,, the American Legation continually inquired into the progress of the case, and was definitely informed the day before ibe execution that no sentence had been given. The Legation, however, heard privately at ten o'clock in the evening, that Miss Cavcll had .been sentenced to be shot at two o'clock in the morning. Mr Gibson, Secretary to the Legation, acompanied by the Spanish Ambassador, hurried to see Generals Learon and von der Lanoken, representing the German civil administration, to ask for the postponement of the execution. Von der Lanoken for some time protested that there was no truth in the rumor, but finally said that the military authorities considered the infliction of the death sentence was imperative. Mr Gibson pointed out that Miss Oavell had spent her life in assisting others, and had tended German soldiers in her hospital. He emphasised the horror'of executing a woman like her. There was. no charge of espionage, and he pointedi out the fearful effect a summary execution of this sort would have on public opinion in Belgium and abroad, saying it might even lead to reprisals. The Spanish Minister forcibly supported Mr Gibson, but all their efforts were fruitless. English clergyman was allowed to see .Miss Cavell in her cell at ten o'clock. He gave Holy Communion and. found her admirably strong and calm. She said that she was happy to die for her country. The despatch discloses that the failure to prevent the execution is a very severe blow to the American legation, which particularly resents the Germans failing to notify the Ambasador for the sentence. Sir Edward Grey, in thanking MiBrand Whitlock, says that he is publishing the despatch without delay, in order to forestall any unjust criticism. It was due to the German administration's discreditable and successful efforts to conceal the fact that the death sentence had been passed, and was being carried out immediately. Sir Edward Grey adds that these efforts were doubtless prompted by-a determination to carry out the sentence before an appeal to a higher authority was possible.