ALLEGED PLOT

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1942, Page 6

ALLEGED PLOT

“AUSTRALIA FIRST” CASE.

PERTH, May 14

“Enough of politics, because Australians must now be educated by bombs and bayonets.” This sentence was quoted in evidence in the “Australia First” case on Monday as an extract from a letter allegedly found in the Hat of one of the accused. Laurence Frederick Bullock, Nancy Rachel Krakouer, Charles Leonard Williams, and Edward Cunningham Quicke are charged with having, between December 7, 1941, and March 9, 1942, conspired together to assist, within Australia, the armed forces of Japan. During the hearing F. Thomas, an investigator attached to Military Intelligence, said he had joined the Communist Party to get information for the police. His job was to uncover un-Australian activities. He said that the final clause of a proclamation Bullock read at a meeting of Bullock, Krakouer, Williams and himself on March 8 declared: —

THE ALLEGED PROCLAMATION

“I, Lawrence Frederick Bullock, of the Australia First Party, have taken governmental power and authority in the name of the Australian people. The armed forces of the Commonwealth are now under the orders of my Minister for the Army, and the war in the interests of capital and Communism has finished. Persistence by anyone will bring instant death.” After this meeting, Thomas proceeded, Bullock drove him home, and on the way, Williams said: “If the Japanese invade the eastern States, the Australia First Movement will take over there. I hope they invade here, ]

so that we can take over the Commonwealth. We shall have to get, more members for our Government.” Cross-examined by Mr. Seaton (for Quicke), Thomas said that he was born in Auckland, and had been rejected for the Australian _ Imperial Force. He was interested in poltical and international affairs and in matters affecting social progress. When he visited Quicke at Balingup, said Thomas, he was hopeful that Quicke would put down something in writing, and he did so. Quicke’s views on sabotage were not expressed as a .result of any suggestions by witness about blowing up bridges and viaducts. TRAIN JUMPING CONVICTIONS. To Mr. Hughes (for Williams and Bullock), Thomas said that he had been convicted for jumping trains a good many times in the eastern States. Mr. Hughes (a defence counsel): Did you join the Communist Party to get information for the police? Thomas: I don’t think I should answer that question. The Magistrate, Mr. Wallwork: You must. Thomas then answered, “Yes.” He added that his job was to uncover unAustralian activities. Mr. Hughes: You are > aware, no doubt, that Communists have become respectable, and that the season has become close regarding them? Thomas: I know nothing about that. With the completion of the Crown , case, all four accused reserved their defence and were committed for trial j at the June sitting of the Supreme; Court. Bail for each was fixed at a : personal surety of £5OO, with twoj other approved sureties of £5OO. The hearing lasted five days, and.

a total of 15 witnesses gave evidence for the Crown. The Australian Minister for the Army, Mr. F. M. Forde, at Canberra on March 27 announced the arrests of 19 men and one woman allegedly associated with the “Australia First’ 1 Movement.