CUSTOMS OFFICIALS OUTWITTED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19958, 16 November 1934, Page 9

CUSTOMS OFFICIALS OUTWITTED

EFFORTS OF BANNED VISITORS

RESTRICTIONS RESULT IN COURT ACTIONS United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, November 15. Gerald Griffin, a New Zealander, who recently entered Australia under an assumed name and in disguise, in an interview, gave details of his deportation a fortnight ago. He explained that he arrived on November 3, and after being subjected to a dictation test in the Dutch language, in which he failed, he was transferred to another vessel, which left an hour later for New Zealand. "I have returned to fulfil the mission for which I was appointed, and that is to discuss the relations between the opponents of war and Fascism in Australia and New Zealand.” Asked when and how he came to Sydney, Griffin replied: “I arrived early this week, but came to Sydney only this morning. I intend to remain here until I have made my object clear to the public of Australia.”

ESCAPE OF GRIFFIN STATEMENT BY CUSTOMS OFFICIALS United Press Association—By Electric Teleeraph—Copyright (Received November 15, 7.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 15. The chief boarding inspector, attached to the Sydney Customs Department expresses the belief that the man who posed as Gerald Griffin last night, was net actually Griffin, but someone who impersonated him, with the object of putting the authorities off the scent in Melbourne, to where the real Griffin went immediately after his arrival by the Wanganella, and where they believe him to be at this moment. ANOTHER PROHIBITED FOREIGNER ATTEMPT TO OUTWIT AUTHORITIES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copvrlght SYDNEY, November 15. The Czechoslavian author and lecturer, Egon Edwin Kisch was apparently more seriously injured than at first thought when he leapt from the deck of the Strathaird at Melbourne. Kisch has sent a telegram to a Melbourne friend, in which he says: “I have apparently a double fracture of the leg.” It is understood that an attempt will be made to have Kisch placed in hospital upon arrival in Sydney to-day. Arrangements have been made by the Unions for a demonstration at the wharf. More than 25,000 leaflets setting out the case for Kisch’s relief have been distributed. Customs officers refused to allow a Strathaird passenger, Egon Edwin Kisch, author and journalist, to land. Kisch, who is a Czecho-Slovakian, had arranged a lectm'e tour in Australia. He had intended to represent the International Committee Against War and Fascism, at the Congress Against War in Melbourne. Mr R. A. Menzies (Federal Attorney-General), replying to critics regarding the prohibition of the Czecho-Slovakian, said that the Commonwealth felt itself under no obligation to admit persons of this type. Kisch was excluded from Britain because of his subversive views and his association with Communistic organisations. Kisch caused a sensation m Melbourne when he leaped from the deck of the Strathaird to the wharf when that vessel was about to sail. He was seized by the police and placed aboard again. It was thought that his ankle was sprained. KISCH REACHES SYDNEY PURPOSE OF VISIT EXPLAINED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received November 15, 7.40 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 15. Egen Kisch reached Sydney aboard the Strathaird to-day, but there was no demonstration, probably owing to extra police precautions. Kisch is lying helpless in his bunk. He was extremely agitated in detailing his experiences to Press interviewers. He declared that his visit to Australia was the outcome of an invitation by Senators, lawyers, and a former Attorney-General, but the authorities were treating him like a criminal. A number of friends and sympathisers, also the acting-secretary of the Trades and Labour Council and a good many women, besieged Kisch’s cabin, but the police prevented several avowed Communists from even boarding the liner. Leaders of the anti-war movement stood in groups on the wharf. A doctor examined Kisch’s injured leg, which is causing him much pain. Legal Action Commenced An application for a writ of Habeaus Corpus, directed at Captain Carter of the Strathaird, who refuses to allow Kisch to land, was argued in the High Court to-day. and the application was adjourned till to-morrow. An X-ray examination of Kisch’s leg was made to-day and the decision, whether he will be compelled to remain on the ship or will be brought ashore for hospital treatment, depends on the outcome. THE OFFICIAL ATTITUDE STATEMENT"' BY ATTORNEYGENERAL United prpep Association - By Electric Telegraph —Copvrlght CANBERRA. November 15. The Attorney-General (Hon. R. G. • Vlenzies) announced that the report I shat Griffin had evaded the Federal

Immigration authorities and re-entered Australia would be investigated immediately. If it was found that Griffin was in Australia, steps would be taken by the Commomvealth Government to arrest him, and he would be dealt with according to law. Any person who was a prohibited immigrant, and who was found in Australia, was liable to imprisonment for six months, or deportation, or both.