IN BRITAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXV, Issue 9155, 1 June 1915, Page 5

IN BRITAIN.

PROSECUTING THE "TIMES."

PUBLICATION OF NEWS USEFUL

TO THE ENEMY

(Received June 1, 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 31. The Government is prosecuting the publisher of the "Times," and Major E. Richardson, breeder of dogs for the Army and for police work, for publishing Major Richardson's letter, after a visit to the front, stating that the best French reserves, young raw recruits, are being called up; also, other information useful to the enemy. The case stands adjourned.

Major Richardson's letter said:— " France is looking to us to supph enormous numbers of men, and, failing this, there was a distinct danger of. a change in public sentiment in France regarding the carrying-out of the war." He said he saw here scores oi' lusty young men, utterly callous and indifferent to the anguish of their brothers so long as they got tho war bonuß.

Mr Bodkin; • K.C 3 prosecuting, said tho " Times," in common with other newspapers, received orders as to what might,not be published, and ought to have consulted the Press Bureau if there was the slighest doubt. The French military authorities seriously complained to the War Office about the letter, and the War Office appreciated the seriousness of the statement as tending to assist the enemy and making them consider that the French forceß had reached their limit. A detective testified # that Major Richardson admitted writing the letter, but said he thought it would be submitted to the censor.