STRANGE VERDICT.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 232, 1 October 1929, Page 7

STRANGE VERDICT.

GERMAN SENSATION.

Man Acquitted Of Murder Of Alleged Spy.

" INVOLUNTARY HOMICIDE."

("Times" Cables.) ■ LONDON, September 30. The Berlin correspondent of the "Times" says the trial lias been concluded of Lieutenant Eckermann. Defendant ordered the execution of Beyer, believing him to be a French spy and because he regarded his execution as legally justifiable in order to avert Beyer's attack on the Reich. "There were inadequate grounds for Eckermann's belief. Therefore he committed involuntary homicide. But this falls Avithin the amnesty of 1928, which remitted sentences for acts done from political motives." Such Avas the remarkable verdict of the Court. So ends Avhat is believed to be the last trial in connection with the Black Keichswehr, the former secret illegal reserve. It has provided a long series of murder trials in Avhicli its members Avere accused of killing comrades suspected of treachery. Eckermann Avas extradited from Guatemala and accused of murdering Beyer. The Court awarded costs, against the State. The Nationalist Press rejoices at the verdict, declaring that it proves that the so-called murders Avere due to love of the Fatherland. The Kepublican newspapers express the opinion that it is not a legal judgment, but a political move.