STRONG PROTEST.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19460, 6 November 1928, Page 11

STRONG PROTEST.

ARREST OF OFFICER.

PORTUGUESE DELAY TRIAL.

(BRITISH OMICLIL WIBK.ESB.)

(Received November sth, 7.15 p.m.) RUGBY, November 4.

The British Ambassador at Lisbon has addressed a strong protest to the Portuguese Government regarding the delay in holding the trial, and extreme and unwarranted severity of the sentence passed, in the case of A. G. BreWer, second officer of the steamship Clan Lamont, at Lobito Bay, Portuguese West Africa.

Brewer was sentenced a few days ago to 360 days' imprisonment, and a fine of £lB or a further 50 days' imprisonment plus costs on a charge of theft. He was arrested at Lobito Bay last September and, as a result of the long delay in bringing the case to trial, the intervention of the British Foreign Office was sought, which resulted in the case being heard on October 23rd, when Brewer was sentenced as stated. Notice of appeal against the sentence has been given on Brewer's behalf. Meanwhile a protest to the Portugese Government was made by the British Government, after the rceeipt of a report on the case and trial from the British Consul at Loana, Portuguese West Africa. The case has attracted much notice in the British Press.