HOW CAPT. WILSON WAS RELEASED.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 December 1917, Page 7

HOW CAPT. WILSON WAS RELEASED.

LETTER TO SIR RUDOLPH SLATIN

BRINGS FREEDOM.

How Captain Stanley Wilson, M.P., was released from internment in Austria through the intervention of Sir Rudolph Slatin—an Austrian with a British title—was told yesterday by Captain Wilson at Beverley. It is one of the few bright incidents in the war, aud shows that generosity and remembrance of kindly actions still exist.

Negotiations between Great Britain and Austria over Captain Wilson's release were dragging their diplomatic way without any result, Suddenly the M.P, thought it would be a good idea to write to Sir Rudolph, who is looking after the interests of all prisoners 01 war in Austria.

Ten days later the Austrian Imperial Government sent a letter ordering Captain- Wilson's unconditional release without any reciprocal action on the part of the English. Slatin Pasha—who is now 60—has had much experience of the kindliness of the British, and until the war broke out was generally regarded as as much British as Austrian. He left his native Vienna for Cairo when he was only 17, and six years later was made Governor of Darfur by General Gordon.

For a long time the adventurous young man resisted Mahdism, butwas taken prisoner in 1883, remaining in captivity for 12 years. He escaped to Cairo and rendered invaluable assistance to our Intelligence Department.

When the conquering army of Kitchener marched south to overthrow the Khalifa it was accompanied by Slatin. He was held in great esteem by both Queen Victoria and King Edward.

Now, after many years, he has repaid British kindness by securing the release of Captain Wilson.