HESS AND THE DUKE

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 May 1941, Page 7

HESS AND THE DUKE

NO PERSONAL ACQUAINTANCE explanation in commons ;. '■— I'- i [BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.] RUGBY, May 22. Sir A. Sinclair, in the Commons, said: “When Hess came down with his aeroplane in Scotland, on May 10, he gave a false name and asked to see the Duke of Hamilton. The Duke, on being apprised by the authorities, visited Hess in hospital. Hess then revealed for the first time his true identity, saying that he had seen the Duke when he was at the Olympic Games in Berlin, in 1936. The Duke did not recognise the prisoner, and had never met Hess. - He had, however, visited Germany for the Olympic Games in 1936, and during that time had attended more than one large public function at which German Ministers were present. It was, - therefore, quite possible that Hess may have seen him on one such occasion. As soon as the interview was over, the Duke of Hamilton flew to England and gave a full report of what passed to Mr. Churchill, who sent for him. Contrary to reports which have appeared, the Duke has never been in correspondence with Hess. None of the Duke’s three brothers, who, like himself, are serving in the R.A.F., has either met Hess or had correspondence with him. It will be seen that the conduct of the Duke of Hamilton has been in every respect honourable and proper.” LETTER INTERCEPTED.

(Recd. May 23, 1.20 p.m.) LONDON, May 22. Sir A. Sinclair’s statement that no letter from Hess reached the Duke of Hamilton, or any responsible authority, has further mystified the public. The Associated Press understands from the highest authority that Hess wrote to the Duke of Hamilton. The authorities intercepted the letter, which later was shown to the Duke'. Sir A. Sinclair further adds to the confusion in not explaining why there was no earlier contradiction of the widespread reports that the Duke personally knew Hess. HESS CORRESPONDENCE. LONDON. May 21. Shortly before the House of Commons went into secret session the Prime Minister (Mr. Churchill) was asked if the correspondence between Herr Hess and the Duke of Hamilton could be read. Mr. Churchill said that the question was hardly relevant to a debate on supply, but a statement would soon be made which would remove any apprehensions regarding the correspondence.