DISMISSED THE FORCE

Taranaki Daily News, 13 July 1929, Page 17

DISMISSED THE FORCE

MOST ROMANTIC DETECTIVE. PITIFUL END OF CAREER, Ono of the most remarkable detectives ever attached to Scotland Yard, and a man whose career borders on the incredible, has been dismissed from the force in Inspector Hubert Ginhoven, who, with Sergeant Jane, was found guilty of breaches of duty. Both officers had been entrusted with special political and secret service work, and their dismissals follow recent disclosures regarding the leakage of Scotland Yard secrets to prominent Communists. Tall and pale-faced, with a perfect knowledge of eight languages, including Turkish, Russian, and German, ex-In-spector Ginhoven was looked upon as one of the most romantic detectives in the world. He served in many parts of the world, and his mastery of languages gives colour to the stories of how he often distinguished himself as a native of various countries in the quest for information regarding the enemy. On many occasions he penetrated behind enemy lines to gather vital information, It is stated that on one occasion he was dropped from an aeroplane with the aid of a parachute inside the Bulgarian lines on the Salonika front. Then, disguised in German uniform, he entered a Zeppelin shed and destroyed a Zeppelin before escaping back to the lines of the Allies. After another exploit an enemy Government put a price on his head. Twice during the war he travelled ae a Dutchman through Germany, and even into Krupps’ works —disguised as an infirm German labourer. Ginho ven’s father was a Dutchman who became naturalised. He joined the London police over 20 years ago. His knowledge of languages made him an exceptionally useful officer. On one occasion he created a minor sensation in Court by interpreting the case from the English into French, German and Yiddish. This brought him to the notice of Sir Patrick Quinn, the then chief of the special branch, and Ginhoven joined that service. An official statement gives the following details of the charges against them:—■ Inspector Ginhoven. —(1) Breach of confidence: That he, without proper authority, communicated to an unauthorised person matter connected with the force, viz., communicating to W. E. Dale, a dismissed police officer, information contained in special branch records, such information being found in a diary in Dale’s possession. (2) Falsehood or prevarication: Wilfully or negligently makI in'g an inaccurate statement in an official C.I.D. diary. (3) Neglect of duty: Failing to report a matter which it was his duty to report, viz., failing to enter in his diary dates and times of his meetings with an informant, and to report any information obtained from him. Sergeant Jane. — (1) Breach of confidence: Without propci’ authority communicating to an unauthorised person matters connected with the force, viz., communicating to W. E. Dale, a dismissed police officer, information contained in special branch records, such information being found in a diary in Dale’s possession. (2) Neglect of duty: Failing to make an entry in his official diary as to his meeting with an informant in the city on March 21, 1929. '