1940-01-10 — Page 5

THE CHINA MAIL, JANUARY 10, 1940

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Seaforths Murder Trial: Evidence Of Eye-Witness

QUESTION ABOUT THE TRIGGER

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

Shanghai, To-day.

SABOTAGE PLOT

(SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL")

Washington, To-day.

G-men have discovered a men- sational plot aiming at blowing up a gigantlo dam whose turbines furnish electric power to Los An- geles and its district.

The Federal Bureau of Inves tigation has traced the plot to an International organisation. Havas.

DRAMATIC EVIDENCE was given in the British Supreme Court yesterday when Private David Eckford, of the Seaforth Highlanders, appeared on a charge of murdering Lance/Corp!. James Davis, of the same Regiment, while on duty on the Settlement border on November 4. The first morning's proceedings were taken up with the guard,

evidence by members of the British garrison, the Police and the Municipal Council.

Mr. John McNeill, Crown Advocate, opened the case after accused had pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. K. E. Newman appeared for the defence.

Captain John Richard Cole, of the Loyal Regiment, was the first witness.

He stated that on November 4, the duy of the murder, he was acting Staff Captain.

He identified a letter addressed to him from Major-General Grasett, G.O.C. British troops in China, by which accused was handed over to the civil jurisdiction.

Next witness was Mr. T. W. R. Wil- son, of the Public Works Department of the Shanghai Municipal Council, who produced plans of the vicinity of Blockhouse "E", at the corner of Kal- feng and North Tibet Roads, where the alleged murder occurred.

Detective-Sergeant Day, of the Shanghai Municipal Police, identified photographs taken by the scene of the murder by him.

"O.K. DAGGER" Dramatic testimony was then pro- vided by Private Stirling, of the Sea- forths, who was on sentry duty at the time of the alleged murder.

"I saw accused-conversing with de- ceased when I went on duty at 8 p.m.

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"I heard deceased tell accused 'Go

presumably because

all

were sleeping.

"I called Private Northrop by name, whereupon the letter appeared on top of the stairs. Eckford procceded up-

stairs in the blockhouse.

"Later the duty truck arrived, and

Eckford fold the sergeant 'He's dead.

I shot him.'

"Eckford left in the truck, and sub- and get it,' and accused replied 'OK.sequently I was questioned by the po-

lice." Dagger.'

"Eckford at the time was not carrying his equipment.

THE TRIGGER Mr. Newman, cross-examining wit- ness, received

an affirmative answer "I had heard the name 'Dagger' pre-when suggesting to witness that the viously but I don't know the meaning position of the two men did not enable I presume it was a nickname,

witness to see the trigger pulled, be- "Davis moved north of the sentry

cause accused's left arm was covering. post in the vicinity of the blockhouse. that part of the rifle.

"I next saw Eckford coming down the steep stairs from the blockhouse.

"About five minutes later accused had a rifle leveled against Davis.

"Accused Bald 4'm going to shoot you,' and then a shot rang out. Davis fell backwards. "Eckford handed the rifle to me. The two men were about four and a half yards apart.

"After handing the rifle to me Eck- ford said 'I'm ready for the sergeant now."

"I placed the rifle Eckford had handed to me against the sentry box.

The hearing was adjourned at 2 o'clock.

The case is being heard before Judge Sir Allan Mossop and a jury of 12.- Our Own Correspondent.

BALKAN ENTENTE POWERS TO MEET

Belgrade, To-day. The Balkan Entente -- Rumania, Turkey, Greece and Yugoslavia-are to hold another of its regular meet- ings next month. The meeting will be held in Belgrade on February 2, 3

NO-ONE CAME "No-one came when I called out for land 4,—Reuter.

OFF THE RECORD

Bv Ed Reed

GESTAPO

WARRING ON CATHOLICS

CAN

LONDON, TO-DAY.

ACCORDING TO THE VATI-

GESTAPO RADIO THE (NAZI SECRET POLICE) HAVE DISSOLVED AND PROHIBITED

TWO ROMAN CATHOLIC WO- MEN'S ORGANISATIONS, AND THE FUNDS OF ONE OF THESE ORGANISATIONS AT DUSSELDORF HAVE BEEN CONFISCATED.

The Vatican radio furthermore reports that by a decree of the Soviet Government the Russian atheist organisation has received special privileges, such as the holding of meetings without noti- fying the police and permission to carry arms, while functionaries will be considered Government officials. Reuter.

Mr. Lewis, residing at Armend Building, has reported the theft of a watch valued at $75 from his bed- room yesterday morning.

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