ASSASSIN’S PLEA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1940, Page 5

ASSASSIN’S PLEA

MURDER OF SIR MICHAEL O’DWYER

“DID NOT MEAN TO KILL ANYBODY.”

"JUST DID IT TO PROTEST."

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 9 a.m.) LONDON, March 14. Mahomed Singh Azad, aged 37 and described as an engineer, of North London, was remanded at Bow Street until March 21 on the charge of feloniously murdering Sir Michael O’Dwyer at the Caxton Hall. A police inspector said that when told of the charge Azad replied: “I will tell you; I made a protest.” At the police station later he made a statement which was taken down in writing and Azad signed it. He was then charged and cautioned. He then said: “I did not mean to kill him. I just did it to protest. I did not mean to kill anybody.” HORROR IN COMMONS ABHORRENCE EXPRESSED ON ALL SIDES. LONDON, March 13. The shooting of Sir Michael O’Dwyer has caused a sensation in the House of Commons, and abhorrence is expressed on all sides. Representative Indians, including the Secretary of the Hindu Association in Europe, stated, “Though we disagreed with Sir Michael O’Dwyer’s political views, we must record our great sorrow at the tragedy. We have no doubt that the leaders of Congress Party are indescribably pained." SHAME IN INDIA UNIVERSAL CONDEMNATION OF CRIME. LONDON, March 14. A message from New Delhi. says that news of the shooting in Caxton Hall aroused feelings of horror and indignation and put the Finnish news into the background. Calcutta reports that the Premier of. Bengal Province said: “The Indian continent joins the world in condemning the abominable tragedy and congratulates the Marquess .of Zetland on his providential escape. It hopes he will long be spared to guide the destinies of India,” The newspaper “Star of India" says: “However bitter India may have felt against Sir Michael O'Dwyer, she hangs her head in shame, for no one wished his death.” The Bombay Nationalist Press joins in the condemnation. One paper says: ' The shooting rendered a distinct disservice to the cause of the freedom of India. Sir Michael O’Dwyer died a martyr.” Lord Zetland spent a comfortable night at his home in Mayfair. His only injury is a grazed rib, and no operation will be necessary. Sir Louis Dane is in Westminster Hospital and is in a fairly comfortable condition, and Lord Lamington, who is at his home at Wilton Place, passed a good night. MR GANDHI’S CONCERN (Received This Day, 10.45 a.m.) CALCUTTA. March 14. Mr Gancihi declared that the' death of Sir M. O'Dwyer and injury to others caused him deep pain. He hoped the affair would not be allowed to affect political judgment.