TRIAL OF CASEMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16233, 19 May 1916, Page 6

TRIAL OF CASEMENT.

NO AVOIDABLE DELAY. PRELIMINARY HEARING OVER. r'" v . '', .London, May 17. v,i The preliminary hearing of the charges of high treason against Sir Roger Casement and Private Bailey was continued at Bow Street to-day. Mr. Arte-mus Jones, who appeared for Casement, contended that Bailey's statement was secured by I promising that he was not to be punished. ■* . Sir' ; Frederick Smith, AttorneyGeneral, contended that Bailey was only promised protection. _ Mr. Justice Dickinson admitted 'the statement as voluntary. ; The evidence indicated that the maps used emanated fr,oin the German War Office. ~ Bailey's military record was good, and his conduct was given as being good. Sergeant Restwick, of the Irish Constabulary, gave evidence to the effect that Bailey asked for a superior officer to be called as soon as possible as he had important information concerning a ship about to land arms in Ireland. He offered to give information if released. Inspector Britten said that Bailey made a statement without a promise that he would ,he released, though witness promised to bring the matter under the notice of the authorities. Bailey told a story of a Wilson liner captured at the commencement of the war which would arrive at Fenit in Tralee Bay on Easter Monday or earlier with arms and ammunition, and said that there would be a simultaneous rising in - Ireland and an attack on Dublin Castle. He added that he had landed with Casement from a submarine. Asked if he had anything to say, Casement huskily replied, "No." The prisoners were committed for trial. The Crown intends to take the trial at the earliest moment — probably early in June.