ALLEGED ESPIONAGE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 83, 18 January 1928, Page 5

ALLEGED ESPIONAGE.

AGENTS FOR THE SOVIET. (Per Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, January 16. At the trial of Thomas McCartney and George Hansen, charged with espionage, the Attorney-General (Sir Douglas Hogg) said the evidence that would be given by four witnesses was' of so serious a nature that it would" be necessary to hear it in camera. Outlining the case, the AttorneyGeneral narrated how an attempt had been made to use George Monkland. an underwriter at Lloyd's, as a medium for obtaining important information regarding the British Air Force. McCartney gave Monkland a questionnaire on the subject emanating from Russia, and showed Monkland a letter from the chief Russian espionage agent in this country regarding payment for information supplied to ttie Russian Government. Monkland immediately reported the matter to the authorities, and, acting under instructions from the War Office, gave certain information to McCartney which was obsolete and misleading. Monkland continued his communications with McCartney, and eventuallymet Hansen, who proved to be a Russian super-spy. Then the authorities, having established that McCartney and 'Hansen were engaged in a dangerous conspir- ! acy against the State, arrested theira.

EVIDENCE HEARD IN CAMERA. SAFETY OF BRITAIN INVOLVED. (Received This Day, 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, January 17. In order to prevent disclosures orejudicial to the safety; of Britain, the ease against McCartney and Hansen was heard for two hours in camera. Secret documents shown to the jury included ,a questionnaire dealing with the air force, and a book found In McCartney's room, containing a report on the tank corps, in his handwriting. Stenographer gave evidence as to typing for McCartney, whom she knew as Johnson or Hudson, matter ing airships. Evidence was given-that McCartney held a passport in the name of Hudson. McCartney denied foreknowledge of the raid on the Arcos premises, receiving secret books from Monkland, anfcl using the name of Hudson. Sir Douglas Hogg asked McCartney to write a sentence containing the word "complete." McCartney spelt it "complat," like the same word in the questionnaire. McCartney asserted that Superintendents Parker and Mcßride, of Scotland Yard, told him he would be indemnified and given money if he gave all-the information against Hansen and Arcos.

Both accused admitted convictions — Hansen for a political offence in Germany. The case was adjourned.