NO OFFENCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 302, 22 December 1933, Page 7

NO OFFENCE

ARRESTED IRISHMEN “ PRIMA FACIE INNOCENT” JUDGE'S STRONG COMMENT tiy Telegraph—Press Aasuciation —CopyrigM* LONDON, Dec, 20. Despite the protest by General O’Duuy’s bar, including three King's Counsel, the habeas corpus application has been adjourned till to-morrow. Au affidavit by the driver of General O’Duffy’s car stated that General O’Duffy and his companions wore overcoats, and only small portions of their blue shirts were visible. buppoiters carried General O’Duffy to tiic platform and clamoured for a speech. Directly he spoke the superintendent of police arrested him. He gave no warning that the meeting was illegal or had been proclaimed. Mr. Costello, for the defence, said that the superintendent, though aware of the habeas corpus application, had changed the defendants from civil to military custody. “It is a case of arresting first ,and then thinking out the charge. 1 know of nothing more outrageous. ’ ’ Mr. Justice Johnston: “The complaint is that the charge is not indicated. Mr. Gavan Duffy, for the prosecution, said: “I do not want to occupy time unnecessarily.’’ Mr. Justice Johnston: “My tune is of small account compared with the liberty of mOn. From the material submitted no offence has been committed. Prinfa facie they are perfectly innocent and are illegally detained. I will adjourn the case to enable the superintendent to reply.” NEWSPAPER RAIDED TRIBUNAL’S INSTRUCTIONS. Received Dec. 21, 11.5 p.m. LONDON, Dec. 21. Detectives entered the premises of the newspaper An Phoblacht, seized all copies, and simultaneously confiscated the latest issue of Mr. Cosgrave’s United Ireland, containing General O’Duffy’s undelivered speech. It is understood that they acted under instructions by the military tribunal. The Daily Mail’s Dublin correspondent says that Mr. Cosgrave has been appointed president of the United Ireland Party in General O’Duffy’s absence, and Mr. Blythe is deputising as director of the League of Youth.