Alleged Statement by Joyce Read in Court

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 150, 27 June 1945, Page 5

Alleged Statement by Joyce Read in Court

Received Tuesday, 7.30 p.m. LONDON, June 26. In the charge against William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw) at Bow Street, the prosecutor (Mr. Byrne) produced an alleged statement in which Joyce said he was horn at Brooklyn, New York. Joyce also said he believed that he acquired German nationality in 1940 hut that he did not possess a certificate.

Joyce said that in 1923 he was attracted to Fascism and subsequently to National Socialism. He said that between 1933 and 1939 he pursued vigorous political activities in England. He was profoundly disgusted by the policy of the British Government, first because he thought it would lead to the destruction of the British Empire and secondly because he considered the economic system inadequate at times. He was greatly impressed by the constructive work done by Hitler for Germany. Joyce said he thought that war between Britain and Germany would be a tragedy which the Empire could not survive. He said that because of his opinions and his conscious disposition not to fight for Britain against Germany he decided to leave the country, since he did not wish to apply as a conscientious objector. He felt he should have opportunities of expressing his views in Germany. He decided to make his permanent home in Germany. “It remained my undivided purpose to effect a reconciliation, or at least a better understanding, between the two countries. After America and Russia entered the war,” he said, “such an agreement seemed no less desirable. I know I have been denounced as a traitor, and I resent the accusation. I can understand the resentment my broadcasts aroused in many quarters. Whatever are the opinions of my broadcasts, I submit that final judgment cannot be properly based until it is seen whether Britain can win the peace. ’ ’ Mr. Byrne said it appeared that Joyce acquired German nationality during the war, but in law a British subject could not acquire foreign nationality in wartime. Indeed, it was an act of treason to do so. It was one of the treasonable acts alleged against Joyce. The other treasonable act was the services which Joyce rendered to the German broadcasting system. Joyce had acknowledged these acts in his statement.

The Passport Office gave evidence that when Joyce applied for a passport in 1933 he declared himself a British subject, born in Galway. Mr. Head, for Joyce, submitted that his client was not a Briitsh subject, and that the Crown had not proved that he was.

Mr. Byrne, in replying, said that every declaration Joyce had made was to the effect that he was a British subject. If Joyce desired, or indicated that he was not, some evidence might be heard.

Fourteen men wearing black bow ties waited in the queue, but when the Court opened at 10.15 a.m., only six of them got in, says the “Daily Express.” One of them said: “We have come to show Joyce that his friends are behind him.”