ASKED TO LEAVE

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20269, 11 August 1937, Page 7

ASKED TO LEAVE

JOURNALISTS EXPELLED. GERMANY GREATLY PAINED. THREAT OP REPRISALS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Aug. 9. A semi-official statement from Berlin says: ‘‘The German Government does not conceal the fact that it is greatly pained at the decision of the British Home Office to expel German correspondents since Britain considers that their continued residence in the country is undesirable. Germany naturally will take corresponding action.” The newspapers talk of “ English provocation ” whloh oan only injure relations oeiween Britain and Germany. The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent says he understands that Lord Halifax pointed out to the German Charge d’Affaires, Herr Woermann, the deplorable effect which Germany’s request would have on British public opinion. Mr. Ebbutt, who Is 43 years old, has worked in the Berlin office of the Times since 1925 and has been its chief correspondent since 1927. Mr. Ebbutt Abused. The Berlin correspondent of the Morning Post states that Mr. Ebbutt has been repeatedly abused by the German press, notably by the Nazi organ Angriff, which is closely connected with Dr. Goebbels, Minister of Propaganda. The News Chronicle recalls that Herr Langen, who is a close personal friend of General Goering, was expelled from Italy In February without explanation. The Manchester Guardian says the three Germans have not been expelled from Britain as journalists, but for activities that had nothing to do with journalism. The British view is that if Germany wants her relations with Britain to b: as friendly as possible she will not take reprisals where none are called for. ABUSE OF HOSPITALITY. ■CHARGES AGAINST PRESSMEN. REQUEST TO BRITISH GOVERNMENT United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgnt. (Received August 11, 11.10 a.m.) BERLIN, August 10. An official statement says that the British Government has been requested to use its influence with the Times to recall Mr Ebbutt, as otherwise his permit will be cancelled. This measure proves necessary because Mr Ebbutt for years has done his reporting only in a spirit hostile to Germany, thus abusing the hospitality granted him. The Borsen Zeitung declares that it can certainly be expected that the measures taken against Mr Ebbutt will be taken against other correspondents who have actively looked into Germany’s diomestio politics. It is an open secret that a number of foreign correspondents who were recently working in co-operation with enemies of the State used information obtained from them for false reports. EXPULSION OF GERMANS. ON ACCOUNT OF ACTIVITIES. LONDON PRESS ALLEGATIONS. (Official Wireless.) (Received Aug. 11, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 10. The Times says it can be stated with absolute certainty that the termination of the right of three German journalists to remain in London has nothing to do with the way in which they discharged their professional duties. They have clearly been asked to go on account of the activities which lay outside their professional activities, and it may become necessary to slate precisely what these activities have been. The Times, referring to the pro • Jected action against its Berlin correspondent, says there could be no question of replacing Mr Ebbutt by a more amenable correspondentINVESTIGATION TO BE MADE. ACTION BY PRESS ASSOCIATION. LEGAL & PROFESSIONAL ASPECT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Aug. 11, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 10. The Berlin correspondent of the Times says that in view of Mr Ebbutt’s standing the Foreign Press Association, representing 103 correspondents from 23 countries, of which Mr Ebbutt was former president, will meet on August It to Investigate the situation legally and professionally.