DISCLOSURE OF SECRETS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18582, 17 December 1934, Page 5

DISCLOSURE OF SECRETS

ARSENAL OPERATIONS COMMITTED FOR TRIAL ALLEGED ADMISSIONS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) LONDON, Dec. 8. William Barges, ft middle-aged man, described as a second-grade computer at the Woolwich Arsenal, was committed for trial on a charge under the Official Secrets Act of obtaining on December 4 certain sketches, documents and information which might be usei'nl to an enemy, and 'communicating them to an unauthorised person. He was also charged with obtaining similar articles and attempting to communicate them to an authorised person. He pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. Evidence was given that Burgos approached Imperial Chemical Industries and revealed technical information. It is stated that Surges received the. Military Cross during the war, He was a., retired .major and.had an .excellent war record^ The prosecution said that Imperial Chemical Industries communicated with the War Office, and thereafter acted on its instructions in its dealing'; with Burgos who, allegcdlly, handled secret; documents to an ex-police officer and then arranged to hand over other secret information in Parliament Square when he was arrested. Arthur Grimwood, a director of Imperial Chemical Industries, gave evidence that Bnrgcs, giving the name of "George Vincent," sent n letter regarding information • hich the firm requested from the Government, but liad been partly refused. Burgos later, brought documents and suggested that they wore worth £IOO, An official at" the arsenal said that Burges had boon employed there for 11 years at a salary of £274. A. detective gave evidence that, when 'he was charged, Burges said: "1 did this owing to financial difficulties, and now I have made things 10 times worse. ' 1 will do anything to help you. 1 do not want to firing in sob-stuff."