AIDED ENEMY IN FAR EAST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 271, 28 August 1946, Page 5

AIDED ENEMY IN FAR EAST

BRITISH MAJOR ON TRIAL (kec. 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 27. Major Cecil Bonn, R.A.S.C., a member of the Regular Army, appeared before a court-martial on 11 charges of voluntarily aiding the enemy while a prisoner of war in the Far East. The prosecution is calling 45 wit-' nesses, all former prisoners, and the defence 25. The hearing is expected to last three weeks. Boon pleaded not guilty to all charges, The prosecution alleged that, "while at a Hong Kong prisoners’ camp between August, 1943, and August, 1945, Boon gave the Japanese information concerning "a proposed escape of prisoners, aided the Japanese by conducting a search for wireless componentsj gave the Japanese information regarding prisoners and documents, handed over a letter knowing it would be used as propaganda, supplied details of Hong Kong defences, delivered medicine for the sick to the enemy, interrogated prisoners for the enemy regarding the eqiiipinjent of British units and spied on prisoners’ Quarters, parcels and personal affairs. Mr G. .0. Slade, K.C., defending, objected on the grounds that four of the charges were not in accordance with the rules of procedure, and the location of the trial in Britain instead of in Hong Kong prevented the defence calling Japanese evidence as to whether the acts were done voluntarily. The judge advocate said the trial would 1 have to proceed, notwithstanding difficulties that might arise. The court adjourned to refer the defence submission ’to the convening authority. Decision is expected tomorrow.