GAMBLE IN FRANCS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20127, 21 April 1928, Page 7

GAMBLE IN FRANCS

DYNE APPEAL DISMISSED JUDGE’S SCATHING COMMENT. Received April 20, 8.10 p.m. (A. & N.Z.) LONDON, April 19. The appeal of Mrs Dyne in connection with the franc speculation case, was dismissed. Mr Justice Scrutton, in a scathing judgment described such speculators as people beneath contempt, utterly selfish and regardless of the enormous injury to legitimate trade. . Commenting on the Foreign Office officials he said: “The Civil Service dealt with the matter properly insofar as it declared the transactions disgraceful, and dealt appropriate punishment to the offenders." Much surprise has been caused in political circles by the delay in completing the inquiry into the “francs gamble" case. Jt was stated recently that the inquiry is still proceeding. No explanation of the delay was available at the Foreign Office except the general statement that the matter was being fully investigated. The following dates show how the inquiry has been prolonged:— January 26. —“Francs gamble" case against Airs Aminta Marjorie Bradley Dyne opened in the Law Courts. Names of Air J. D. Gregory, Assistant Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Lieut.-Commander H. F. B. Maxsc, a second secretary in the Foreign Office, mentioned in the course of the evidence. February 1. —Verdict for £38,938 returned against Airs Dyne. February 1. —Premier announced that he had appointed a Board of Inquiry to investigate statements affecting civil servants made in the course of the case. February 2.—lnquiry opened by the board. February 6. —Evidence given by Air J. D. Gregory. February 6. —Air Baldwin announced in the House of Commons that the board would merely ascertain the facts and inform the Government, and that their report, with the decision of the Government regarding it, would then be presented to Parliament simultaneously.

There is no reason to believe that the scope of the inquiry has proved greater than was originally contemplated.