Cause Of Arrest

Northern Advocate, 15 July 1939, Page 7

Cause Of Arrest

(Received, 11.30 a.m.) PARIS, July 14

The press scandal caused by the arrest of M. Aubin, news editor of “Le Temps,” and M. Loirier, a member of ihe advertising staff of the newspaper ‘•Figaro,” who allegedly received £sfi,000 and £200,000 respectively from a German source, is expected to assume considerable proportions.

The police searched the homes of a number of persons believed to have contact with Herr von Ribbentrop and Dr. Goebbels. Further arrests can be expected. The Paris “Soir” states that 150 journalists are implicated. A beautiful Austrian countess was the brains of the organisation, but she escaped to Germany.

The Paris correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says a sensation lias been created by the detention of two French journalists of international repute pending investigation of their alleged acceptance of £56,000 and £200,000 respectively from a German source. It is believed their detection is a sequel to M. Daladier’s recently pointed allusion to German propaganda. The arrested journalists are the news editor of “Le Temps” and .a member' of the advertising staff of “Le Figaro.” “Le Figaro” explains that the latter’s position on the paper was unimportant, and he had no means of influencing the editorial policy. , "Le Temps” says the member of its staff involved is not responsible for the paper’s foreign services, and, therefore, the charge could relate only to matters outside his professional duties.

Both papers plead ignorance of the whole affair.