MINISTER'S NATIONALITY.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1919, Page 8

MINISTER'S NATIONALITY.

SIR ALFRED MOND. ACTION FOR LIBEL. London, Nov. 7. An interesting series of political libel and slander actions, in which Sir Alfred Mond, First Commissioner of Works, and his brother, Mr. Robert Mond, scientist and company director, are the chief plaintiffs, has opened at Cardiff. Sir Alfred Mond sued a prominent Swansea surgeon, Mr. W. F. Brooks, who, speaking at the general election in 191S, alluded to the plaintiff as a "fullblooded flermnn posing as a Welshman," and added that onlv a German possessin" the hide of a rhinoceros would stand for the British Parliament. Dr. Brooks apologised and paid the. costs. Sir Alfred tlmn sued the South Wales Daily Post for libel, and also the editor, Mr. David I),ivies, who counter-claimed for alleged slander. Mr. Davies unsuccessfully opposed Sir Alfred Mond at the genera! election. Sir Edward Carson, counsel for Sir Alfred Mond. said that defendants had insinuated that his client in 1!)1S maintained a dual nationality and acted as a German agent. Sir Alfred Mond, giving evidence, said lie was » pure Lnneiishiremnn, and had never done anything in his lifo to proBtote German interests. •