ALLEGED TREACHERY

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19452, 17 December 1934, Page 10

ALLEGED TREACHERY

REVELATION OF SECRETS.

WOOLWICH EMPLOYEE CHARGED. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. United Press Assn. —Elec; Tel. Copyright. LONDON, Dec. 15. William Burges, a middle-aged man, described as a second-grade computer at the Woolwich Arsenal, was committed for trial at the Old Bailey today on-a charge under the Official Secrets Act of obtaining on December 4 certain sketches, documents and information which might be useful to an enemy, and communicating-them to an unauthorised person. He was also charged with obtaining similar articles and attempting to communicate them to an unauthorised person.

Accused pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence.

Evidence was given that Burges approached Imperial Chemical Industries and revealed technical information. It vyas stated i,hat accused won a Military Cross in the war. He is a retired major, with an excellent war record.

The prosecution said that Imperial Chemicals communicated with tho War Office, and subsequently acted on its instructions in dealing with Burges, who was alleged to have handed' secret. documents to ,a former police officer, and then arranged to hand over other secret-. information in Parliament Square when he was arrested. Arthur Grimwood, a' director of Imperial Chemicals’ explosive group, stated in evidence that Burges, giving tlie name of “ George Vincent,” wrote regarding information which the firm had requested from the Government, but which had been partly - refused. Later Burges, brought documents, and suggested they were worth £IOO. An official from the arsenal said Burges was employed there for 11 years at a salary of £274 per. annum;A detective stated that when Burges was charged, he said lie did this owing to financial difficulties,, hut now had'made things tenfold • worse,. Accused added: “I will do anything I can to help you, I -do not - want to bring in sobstuff,"