ARREST OF JOYCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25216, 31 May 1945, Page 5

ARREST OF JOYCE

WOUNDED IN THIGH TREASON TRIAL LIKELY LONDON, May '2» William Joyce, "Lord Haw Haw," was wounded in the thigh when he was captured by the British in Northern Germany, but, according to a senior intelligence officer with the British Second Army, his conditon is not critical. Joyce was brought to Luneberg in an ambulance. The shooting occurred yesterday near Flensburg. The British United Press correspondent says that Joyce spoke to two British officers near the GermanDanish frontier. The officers immediately recognised his voice from his broadcasts. They said: "You are William Joyce." Identity Admitted Joyce admitted his identity and then made as if to draw a gun. The British party, taking no chances, immediately fired and Joyce fell wounded in the thigh. When examined it was found that fie had no weapon but had a German passport in the name of Hansen. He was alone when captured. An Englishwoman, believed to be his wife, was taken by the British a few days ago. The correspondent adds that Joyce had wandered in the woods for some time. He had also lived at Flensburg but escaped unrecognised when the British took over the hotel where he had been living. Joyce said alter his capture: "I suppose that in view of all these suicides you expect me to do the same. I am not that sort of person." Troops Hear of Arrest

Apparently Joyce remained near the Danish-German border after his last broadcast, which was made while he was obviously drunk. He did not trouble to destroy evidence of .is identity and papers were found on him containing his real name. The news of Joyce's arrest spread like wildfire among the troops, who gathered at various places hoping to catch a glimpse of him if he passed through their area. "You yellow traitor, vou're in our hands at ' shouted soldiers, when the ambulance arrived at Second Army headquarters. Joyce, as he lay inside the ambulance, appeared to be in good health in spite of his bullet wound, says the Associated Press Correspondent at Luneberg. He scowled as he attempted to ignore the derogatory remarks which were hurled at him. Orles o! "Traitor"

British soldiers crowded around the ambulance as it drew up and "Traitor! Why not make him walk:* Furious shouting went on until one officer called in troopers. One soldier tried to photograph Joyce in the ambulance, but officers seized his camera and handed it over to the military police. The British Second Army is holding Jovce under conditions of strictest security and officers are at present questioning him. He will be sent to England by plane. The Press Association diplon atic correspondent learns authoritatively that Jovce's position is already under consideration in the Attorney-General's office. It will be alleged that, as a British civilian subject, ne gave aid and comfort to the enemies of his country.

Joyce will face a charge of treason in Fingland, states the Press Association. Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Fascists, commenting on the arrest of Joyce, said that ne had not had contact with him sinCe he was expelled from Moslev's movement in March, 1937. "When Joyce left us." he said, "he started a movement of his own and began blackguarding us throughout the country."

MOSCOW ANI) SPAIN FRANCO SHARPLY CRITICISED (R«cd. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 2H After .drawing attention to Spain's failure to hand over Laval and the leader of the Belgian Fascists, Degrclle, the Moscow radio's political commentator said: "General Franco has received thousands of Italian and German Fascists with open arms and is evidently prepared to protect them. It is high time this protector of bandits and receiver of stolen goods was denounced. It should be made plain that nobody will allow the existence of a Spanish Fascist den in Europe."

FASCISTS AWAIT TRIAL (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) I/ONDON. May 2:

The Rome radio states that 16.000 neo-Fascists and other political prisoners are awaiting trial in the prisons oi Milan, Turin, Genoa and the concentration camp at San Giovanni.