SPY HUNT

Hokitika Guardian, 23 June 1938, Page 5

SPY HUNT

MILD SENSATION

SPECIAL AGENT RESICNS.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.}

NEW ) ORK, -June 21. The United States espionage inquiry

produced another mild sensation to-dav with the announcement, by .Mr Leon 'run-on. tin* special■ agent of the Federal Investigation Bureau, that lie was resigning In* position, to write his ex-

periences for a newspaper. Cuming in the midst- of the Grand Jury investigation, before the accused are brought to trial, this has disturbed officials. Mr Turrou was the chief investigator and worked almost smglej handed. Delay will be caused while his successor familiarises himself with the ramifications uf the case. Mr Turrou’s reason for his action was overwork and tile need to increase his income. 'This has been accepted by the department, which paid a tribute to his work. He will be available as a Government witness. None of the material witnesses held in the case has been eliminated or freed. This is significant, inasmuch as six are officers or members of the crews of German ships, including two captains, a political commissar, and a radio officer. The “New York Times” comments on j the extraordinary fact that Dr Ignatio Oreibl, one of the chief witnesses, was never guarded to prevent his flight. Since yesterday’s indictment it has been indicated that the authorities are aware of several suspicions actions by Jr Greihl.

One charge shows that lie previously went to Germany, allegedly on espionage business. Another says lie conferred with Captain-Lieutenant von Bonin and Captain-Lieutenant Manzel on the countei'-espionage duty of the German War Ministry at the Hotel Eden in Berlin on June 7. 1937. Another alleges that he arranged a rendezvous with Captain-Lieutenant Pfeiffer. the head of the German Secret Service, at the Astoria Club, Bremen, on June 23, 1937. Tu a leading article the “New York Times” urges the fact that there is no occasion for public hysteria or a spy scare. Tt states that the operatives concerned were really extraordinary inept plotters and obtained little of value. It adds: “Though doubtless Germany is anxious to share the United States ad- | vance .in defence technique, especially j in aviation, much of tlie information gained could have been elicited by a courteous letter. Vet this stealthy prying into our affairs is mischievous and annoying. It the trial justifies the charges the whole affair should be cleaned up promptly.” -. The “Herald-Tribune” says; “The investigations are now being concentrated on the persons and organisations responsible for the flight of the defendants and material witnesses who fled the country. This includes two large steamship lines and several executives of those lines.”

Jhe four German spy suspects Hofmann. Rtimrieh, Glaser, and Y oss, will be arraigned to-morrow. SUSPECTS ON BATE; (Received this dnv at 2 p.m.) NEW YORK, .Tune 22. Rtimrieh. Hofmann, Glaser, and Voss the four German spy suspects, were arraigned. They pleaded not guilty. The trial is scheduled lor August 1. Bail was fixed at 2o.0')0 dollars. Bench warrants issued for fourteen others were regarded only as a gesture.