LAVAL WARNED TO BEHAVE HIMSELF

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 237, 6 October 1945, Page 5

LAVAL WARNED TO BEHAVE HIMSELF

TRIAL FOR TREASON Counsel Complains , About Treatment In Prison N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. noon. PARIS, Oct. 5. When Pierre Laval was brought into Court to-day to face trial for treason, Judge Mongibeaux said: "I warn you for the last time that if you surpass certain limits I will continue the trial without your presence." The judge also warned the defence counsel that they must comport themselves in accordance with the dignity of the Court. The Court rejected the defence plea for a postponement of the trial. Maitre Albert Naud, one of Laval's counsel, who refused to serve yesterday, said before the trial was resumed that he had seen Laval this morning and advised him to remain calm and submit to the Court's discipline. The judge said he was pleased to see defence counsel, and announced that he had decided to rescind yesterday's decision to exclude Laval, so Laval could answer all the questions fully. Maitre Naud drew a sombre picture of Laval working to prepare his defence, almost in the dark. The trial had started with a haste which was not only indecent, but had caused insurmountable difficulties. Confined to Dark Cell Maitre Naud alleged that Laval was in an extremely bad condition. He was confined to a dark cell and had to sit on the floor to consult documents. Counsel demanded for Laval the same rights as those being granted to the monsters of Beisen. After the Court had decided against the postponement of the trial, Laval demanded that complete light should be thrown on the proceedings. He asked that the minutes should be published daily in an official journal. Judge Mongibeaux said complete publicity would be given by the information Ministry. Declaring that he was the victim of a legend, Laval called on the jury to reserve judgment until he had fully explained his case. The accused said he was often misquoted, principally by the Paris Press. He said he had never made the statement, "That is how a republic is overthrown," which was attributed to him.