ARREST OF PANTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 16, 30 October 1933, Page 5

ARREST OF PANTER

THE OFFENDING ARTICLE.

“A MILITARY DEMONSTRATION.”

ORDERS TO NEWSPAPERS

(United Press Association—Copyright). LONDON, October 28.

The “Daily Telegraph” republishes in full Mr Noel Panter’s report upon Herr Hitler’s review of 20,000 Storm Troops at Kelheim, which report immediately- Jed to Mr Panter’s arrest upon suspicion of espionage.’ Mr Panter opened his article by stating :

“Deeper significance attaches to this military display than either the Chancellor or his Nazi lieutenants desire the outer world to know.” He mentioned the orders issued to- the newspapers to avoid everything that might represent the celebrations as having a military character. In particular they were not to mention the firing of salutes, the inspection of the ranks by the Chief of Staff, or the participation of the Reiehswehr. He added that- particular anxiety was. felt lest the British and French Press should become_ “perturbed” by the reports. Mr Panter then proceeded to describe the inspection and the salute of twentyone guns which was fired by cannon on Herr Hitler’s arrival and again at the end of. Herr Hitler’s speech. He gave other details showing the essentially military character of the proceedings. The Berlin correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that Mr Panter, on refusing to make a statement ment except.in the- presence of a. witness, was told he would not be allowed facilities for consultation while lie persisted in that attitude. Consequently he submitted on Thursday night to an examination held in the absence of witnesses, when he declared that he had only done liis; duty as a journalist by faithfully reporting events of public interest. He strongly denied taking any action prejudicial to the interests of the German State. There is reason to believe that the statement might have turned matters in Mr Panter’s favour hut for a deposition, also' taken on Thuisday night, in unknown circumstances, of a German journalist who was- arrested simultaneously. The result is that a charge has now been officially brought. Attempts to obtain legal assistance .on his behalf are so far unsuccessfiil. The “Daily Telegraph”' in a leading article protesting against Mr Panter’s arrest expresses the'-opinion that the German Government has inconceivably blundered and is following it up by action which raises the grayest international issues.

PANTER MAY NOT TRIED.

HIS EXPULSION ANTICIPATED. (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) BERLIN, . October 29. Diplomatic circles are confident that Mr Panter will not be tried. This opinion is based on a guarded communique in which the Government for the first time revealed Mr Panter’s arrest, and added that he had been in touch with a German living at Munich who was suspected of espionage and of, sending abroad stories regarding atrocities. It is believed that-the Government is blaming a.German journalist more than Panter, who is expected to he expelled from Bavaria.