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a probability that his other statements are also incorrect, and I may observe that of the two German documents of which copies were enclosed in your despatch one only states that "admission to the rights of Prussian citizenship cannot be conceded" i.e. it does not prima facie exclude the possibility of citizenship of another German state, while the second is dated November 10th, 1919, and therefore could not have been produced at the time of arrest. It is, of course, possible that some other proofs of not being a German subject were produced by Johnsen. That such proofs were tendered and ignored seem highly improbable but I regret that I cannot say that it is impossible as I am informed that at
that time the officer discharging the duties of Assistant Provost Marshal exercised his functions in a high-handed and, occasionally, illegal manner. In the absence of any satisfactory records I fear that I can throw no light on the matter. The only possible source
of information appears to be the Assistant Provost Marshal himself,
Major C. Lawder, whom it may be possible for the Military Authorit- ies to trace from the details given in the enclosed copy of a letter from the General Officer Commending.
4.
If Johnsen has any claim to compensation it would
appear to be against the Imperial Government and not against the
Government of this Colony, as the Provost Marshal was acting as
a Military Officer and not under the control of the Civil Govern-
ment. As regards the amount of the claim, I would observe that
Johnsen was maintained at the cost of this Government for the
period of his interment and that therefore a demand based on his
total possible earnings for that period, without deduction for
cost of maintenance seems to be unjustifiable.
+
I have the honour to be,
My Lord,
Your Lordship's most obedient,
humble servant,
3.8.3tatts
Governor, &c.
;