JOYCE CONVICTED

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1945, Page 6

JOYCE CONVICTED

UNDER HIS PASSPORT Death Sentence Passed I LONDON, Sept. 19. The trial of William Joyce <“ L ord Haw Haw”) was concluded at the Old Bailey Court on Wednesday. The charge proceeded with was the third one, that of ‘‘having traitorously adhered to the King’s enemies while under the protection of the British Crown.” The Attorney-General (Sir H. Shawcross) said that although at the time of the issue of the British passport Joyce was an American subject, evidence at present before the Court was that he was a German subject. He acquired German nationality before America entered the war. His present position was that of a German, not an American subject. Counsel for the defence (Mr Slade) submitted the Court bad m jurisdiction to try Joyce on count three, viz. “traitorously adhering to the king’s enemies.” Counsel said he was assuming two things: Firstly, that it was now conceded that the defence had established that Joyce was an alien. Secondly, that on all counts of treason committed in the German realm, the criminal jurisdiction of the English Courts was limited to acts committed within the territory of England or abroad British shins, or within territorial waters of the King’s Dominions, whether these acts were committed by British subjects or aliens. Criminal jurisdiction did not extend to cover acts by aliens on land abroad. Mr Justice Tucker, summing up, said: “The conclusion I have reached as a matter of law. is that at the time in question Joyce did owe alto the. King, notwithstanding the fact he was not a British subject at the material time. A person could owe allegiance after leaving the country under a passport. If he then adhered to the King’s enemies he could be dealt with aS a traitor. Physical presence in his own country is not an essential ingredient of the offence of treason. The real basis of treason is protection being received from the Crown and' acquired by reason of residence. The jury reached a verdict after a retirement of 25 minutes that Joyce was guilty. Mr Justice Tucker then passed sentence of death on Joyce, who remained calm while the sentence was being delivered. Showing no signs of collapse, Joyce walked unaided to the cell, giving what appeared to be a Nazi salute to friends in the back of the Court. His brother, Edwin, made the sign of the Cross, and knelt in prayer. A large crowd waiting outside Old Bailey cheered when the verdict was announced.

Joyce will appeal against the verdict and sentence.