CONSPIRACY TRIAL

Southland Times, Issue 20496, 26 May 1928, Page 7

CONSPIRACY TRIAL

ALSATIAN PLOTTERS AUTONOMIST LEADERS SENTENCED EIGHTEEN OTHERS ACQUITTED (United Press Assn. —By Telegraph—Copyright.) London, May 24. The Paris correspondent of The Times states that four leaders of the Alsatian Autonomist Party have been convicted of conspiracy against the State and sentenced to a years’ imprisonment and five years' banishment from Alsace. They are Recklin. Rosse (recently elected to the Chamber of Deputies at the general election) and Schall, Able and Fasschauer. Eighteen others were acquitted. Accuseds’ counsel pleaded for the abolition of war, the physchology of which prevented friendly international understanding.—Times Cables. SCENES AFTER TRIAL. CROWD’S DISORDERLY CONDUCT (Rec. 9.5 p.m.) London, May 25. Scenes of disorder marked the close of the Colmar trial. Many stood on the benches cheering the accused and shouting, “Vive Recklin!” “Vive Rosse!” Those acquitted joined in the demonstration of sympathy with those sentenced, shaking theii fists at the jury. Gendarmes had difficulty in clearing the Court and the excitement was continued outside. Counsel for the defence was carried shoulder high through the street. A meeting passed a resolution demanding the release of four of the con victed men who have decided to appeal. Crowds remained in the street late at night. There were many free fights.—Australian Press Association.