THE MOTUIHI INCIDENT

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 40

THE MOTUIHI INCIDENT

COURT OF INQUIRY. DISTRICT OFFICERS INVOLVED. AUCKLAND, February 4. A court of inquiry to determine the responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major Osbourne-Lilly in respect of the escaping German- prisoners from Motuihi was opened to-day. Dr Bamford represented Colonel Patterson, and Mr Meredith appeared for Major Lilly. Colonel Macdonald (Director of Infantry)' gave evidence that he was general staff officer in Auckland when the Motuihi detachment was lirst established. It was then under the charge of the officer commanding the district, but owing to the pressure of work the control was handed over to the Coast Defence commander. It was understood that the officer commanding the district could intervene if any matter connected with the camp did not meet with his approval. He did so intervene on occasions. Headquarters at Wellington sent letters and orders direct to the camp corn* mandant. When the first prisoners arrived a telegram was received by District Headquarters that ,the guard was to be established by the 'district, the members of the guard to be confirmed by headquarters, Wellington. The original letter of instructions to Colonel Turner was prepared by Colonel Pilkington, who was then adjutantgeneral. It contained a paragraph, which was struck out at headquarters, Wellington, to the effect that all 'the administrative correspondence was to be addressed throifgh District Headquarters. According to Colonel Turner's instructions, witness considered that the officer commanding the district was not responsible for the safe guard of the prisoners. Dr Bamford produced a letter by Colonel Patterson to General Robin on November 26, in which he recommended that th© strength of the guard be increased, and that the two naval officers recently interned be removed to some place by themselves, as they were enterprising individuals. He further recommended that aliens be prohibited from visiting the prisoners. Colonel Turner gave evidence supplementary -to that given at the first court of inquiry. He was responsible for Colonel Patterson's letter asking for an increased guard. He had made a verbal request to Major Sir Robert Walker. When Colonel Pilkington gave him the letter of instructions, and before cancelling the paragraph regarding correspondence, Colonel Pilkington consulted General Robin. An officer in the room at the time stated that 'the commandants of internment camps in England communicated direot with the War Office. Witness never considered that he was under District Headquarters. Ho invar'ibly wrote to the adjutant-general, Welling lon, on all matters of administration, though he always sent a copy to District Headquarters for their information.; He. never expected orders from the district regarding "prisoners. He considered all matters regarding the safe guard of the prisoners to be arranged between himself and headquarters, Wellington. February 5. The court of inquiry to determine the responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major Osbourne-Lilly in respect of the escaping German prisoners from Motuihi was continued to-day. . Dr Bamford represented Colonel Patterson, and Mr Meredith appeared for Major Lilly. Colonel Turner, who was cross-examined, stated that the reduction made in the strength of the guard was the. direct outcome of a suggestion by General Robin. The first application for an increase in the guard was made to District Headquarters during the scare. He had no authority to increase the guard on his own account, the authorisation of pay being the difficulty. When Major Lilly visited the island in December he made no suggestion about increasing the .guard. Re-examined, by Mr Meredith, Colonel Turner -stated that he regarded General Robin's suggestion in reference to a reduction of the guard as a command. ' Did you ever get a direct order from Colonel Patterson?—Never in connection with the protection of prisoners. You are aware that that is in contradistinction opinion held by General Robin ?—Witness replied that in his opinion the statement was contrary to the orders he had received. Did you see Colonel Patterson often?— Yes. I never came into town without calling at District Headquarters, and Colonel Patterson frequently visited the island, purely in a friendly way. Then he would not be officially aware of the internal working of the island?—lf he had, he would have inquired more into it. And you never made a report to Colonel Patterson on the island? —I wouldn't say that. Colonel Tate on one occasion wrote to Colonel Patterson regarding the island, and asked certain questions about which I was asked. Did you not think it strange that Colonel Tate should write to District Headquarters instead of to you? —I did think it a little 6trange. Did it not strike you that you might have made a mistake in regard to whom you were responsible?—No, it did not. It never occurred to you 'that Colonel Patterson's visits were visits of inspection? —No. How do you account for the statement in a letter from Colonel Patterson to Colonel Tate in June, 1917, to the effect that since Colonel Turner had had" command of the island there had been no worry if he had no control? —It does not say that. He had no worry in any case formerly. With regard to the system of ringing up Colonel Patterson at night, were those instructions or not?—No. It was more a matter of suggestion. In regard to the reduction ot the guard, the general referred you to District Headquarters?—The general asked mo to discuss tne matter with Colonel Patterson. He did not suggest that you should discuss it with headquarters in Wellington?— Can you suggest why headquarters in Wellington was left out?—That was a. matter for the general. Who issued the passes for the island?—At first I did, ana occasionally the officer commanding the distrioi You have always objected to these visitors. Why did you not stop it?—Because in th© early stages 1 had no knowledge which warranted me in refusing passes. As a matter of fact, I thought Colonel Patterson might interview somo of these people and see if .passes should be granted to Why did you refer to Colonel Patterson when you refused a pass to Mrs Langguth ? —I really don't know. Now, why did you send her to Colonel

Patterson if you refused her a pass?—l cannot say. Did you report to headquarters about Mrs Langguth at that time? —No. Did you take any steps to let the Minister know that you objected to Mrs Langguth?—No. W T hy did you not, following the permission granted by the Minister for Mrs Langguth to visit the island?—l took the letter as an instruction. In what direction did you consider there was inadequacy?—ln all directions. The launch was a source of danger?—Yes. You could have reduced your danger by getting rid of the launch? Tne President: This does not affect the question whether he is responsible to District Headquarters or to headquarters. Mr Meredith: My object ib to bring proof in regard to the question whether . Major Lilly was aware of the suggested inadequacy of the precautions. The President, after consulting with the court, said the question should be confined to who was responsible for the authority to keep the launch. He thought they could take it that there wore two inadequacies—the question of the guard and the launch. The question, .then, was, Who was responsible for seeing that those inadequacies were rectified? Dr Bamtord: Is it not a fact, Colonel Turner, that, with regard to a certain alien in Auckland, you received instructions from headquarters, Wellington, not to allow him to visit the island?---I believe I did. February 6. The court of inquiry to determine the responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major Osbourne-Lilly in respect of the escaping German prisoners from Motuihi was continued to-day. Dr Bamford represented Colonel Patterson, and Mr Meredith Etppeared for Major Osbourne-Lilly. ' Colonel Patterson stated that when Colonel Turner took over the charge of Motuihi he did not consult witness in any way with regard to instructions, but was to deal direct with Auckland for supplies. Witness took it that meant that witness was to supply the personnel and guard. Witness produced a letter written from headquarters, Wellington, from Colonel Tate, June 20, 1917, as follows:—"I am very troubled about the internal establishment at Motuihi Island. I have never had time to come "up and see it for myself. I must take res-ponsibihty for the whole show. .. . . I should be very much obliged if you would make a searching inspection, and keep a close supervision on it, and let me know what you think. It would be a great comfort to me if I knew that, if trouble does arise, I could refer to you for replies to questions, etc. It is probable that you may have taken considerable interest in it and are apprised ot everything already, and I hope this is so. Anyhow, keep a 6harp lookout, and let me know if you can of snags that may be expected. Very kind re- § arris. I do wish I could come to see you, ut that seems hopeless at present." Witness said the phrase in the letter " I must take responsibility for the whole show " corresponded with his views exactly. At that time the prisoners from the See Adler had not been-placed on the island, and the guard had not been renewed. Witness did not interfere with the internal work on the island, nor did he consider ho had any control over Colonel Turner's launch, but had advised, Turner to keep the engine out of action, except when the launch was in useColonel Patterson, cross-examined, said he never officially inspected the island. Mr Meredith: What do you moan by the statement that prior to Colonel Turner's appointment you had considerable trouble with the island, and now you had none-? Simply that at that time I was Coast Defence Commander. Did any conversation with General Robin lead you to tell him that you were not responsible for' the"island? —No.From whom did you learn that you and Colonel Turner were to confer in regard to tne question of the guard?—From Colonel Turner. • Did you inspect the island to ascertain was necessary? —No. Why?—Because Colonel Turner was the man who had to be- satisfied, not myself. You exercised no responsibility in the matter at all?—That is so. Have you ever discussed the question of the guard with General Robin?—No. Witness further stated that when Colonel Turner was absent for 20 days in one month on court-martials, it was not under witness's instructions. He arranged with Colonel Turner by telephone that witness was to be rung up at certain hours in the - night by mutual arrangement. Witness issued passes. Witness had no authority to overrule Colonel Turner. ' Mr Meredith: Did you ever make a request for the removal of the See Adler prisoners?—Yes; I made a request to the officer commanding, and I also discussed the matter \yth Major Osbourne-Lilly and Colonel Tate. And Colonel Tate told you that they were there, and you would have to keep them?—He told me he did not know whero to put them. Files from the District Headquarters were produced, and Major Price (president) quoted from these a letter, dated March 14, 1917, addressed to the commandant at Motuihi, signed by Colonel Dyer m which it was stated that visitors must please note that from this date no women were to visit the island without special authority from the officer commanding the district. This authority was alono to be granted by the officer commanding the district. Colonel Patterson stated that he had no knowledge of the letter being- written, but probably it was written at the request of Colonel Tun? or, to placo a prohibition on record. Witness said he did not take any direct action as the result of the Minister s statement about the guard not having been armed. He did not give Colonel Turner permission to have a launch at Motuihi, though ho mentioned the launch to him, aa he considered it a danger. _ Witness did not report tho matter to Wellington as he considered it not within his province. Major Osbourne-Lilly, director of Personal Services, said he received weekly reports from Motuihi. The Chief of tho_ General Staff jrenerally decided where prisoners of war should bo located. Up to tho time of tho first court of inquiry witness considered the District Headquarters responsible for supplying the guard at Motuihi. His first visit to the island was mado in reference to matters that were tho subject of correspondence between Colonel Turner and headquarters afc Wellington. His second visit was tho result of inquiries _ by tho Minister. Witness was much worried about Motuihi, especially about the guard being unarmed. He was quite definite that ho told Colonel Turner tho responsibility of safely guarding the men was Colonel Turner's

"pig-eon." Ho emphasised tho necessity of a visual signalling- apparatus on the island in case- tho telephone was cut. He told Colonel Turner tho guard should be armed. It was merely a suggestion, not an order. In spite of all that had been said, witness considered it tho duty of the District Headquarters to find an extra 10 men if . demanded by the commandant. There was no necessity for witness to report on his visit, as General Robin had already visited tho island and reported to tho Minister. Witness did not question Colonel Turner being detailed for court-martial duty, because ho considered that Colonel Turner was under the control of the District Headquarters. Replying to Dr Bamford, witness said hia duties did not include matters regarding the safo custody of prisoners. He had considered District Headquarters as being in direct control of Motuihi up to the time ho saw Colonel Turner's letter of appointment. Dr Bamford: When you say you wero concerned about affairs at Motuihi, did you consider that District Headquarters were not doing their duty?—No. Colonel Turner, then? —Yes, I thought he was not doing all he should. If District Headquarters were responsible, was it a regular proceeding or otherwise for you to discuss Motuihi matters 'with. Colonel Turner in person?—lt may have been indiscreet. Replying to the President, Major Os-bourne-Lilly said he did not know who was responsible for the transfer of von Luckner to Motuihi._ Any transfer should have gone through witness. Ho did not receive a complaint Regarding Erdmann's transfer. On November 18 a verbal application was made by Mr Hall Thomson for Erdmann to bo sent as orderly to von Luokner. Witness referred the matter to Colonel Gibbon, who approved. , February 7. The court of inquiry A,o determine the responsibility of Colonel Patterson and Major (ssbourne-Lilly in respect of tho escaping German prisoners from Motuihi was continued to-day. Dr Bamford represented Colonel Patterson, and Mr Meredith appeared for Major Osbourne-Lilly. Major Sir Robert Walker, general staff officer, said the question of increasing the guard was entirely a matter for headquarters at Wellington. The guard was reduced on the suggestion of General Robin. Witness considered that extra men were required at Motuihi to prevent prisoners from escaping and to obviate continual scares. He could not say that he had ever landed on the island officially, as- the island had nothing to do with District Headquarters. He found that out when he came to Auckland. Major Price, assistant adjutant-general, Auckland, recalled, said Captain Dyer, the previous A.A.G., told him, when he made inquiry, that District Headquarters was not responsible for the control ol Motuihi. The inquiry was adjourned.