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The Ottawa Journal from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada • Page 1

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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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1
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Late News and Sport Edit noil OTTAWA, MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1946. Year 71 PRICE THREE CENTS. ON PAGE 4 fa) Mm uviua ifti 4 Commission Names Capt G. Lunan, Emma Woikin E. W.

Mazer all and Kathleen Willsher in Spy Report Government Accuses Soviet Offi iciais in Of Directing Spy Network RICHARD JACKSON of The Journal Staff. Four of the 13 persons held by RCMP since mid-February' in the investigation of. the Russian spy-ring, were named today in the interim report of the Royal Commission. They were: Mrs. Emma Woikin, a cipher clerk in the External Affairs Department; Captain Gordon- Lunan of the Canadian Army on loan to the Wartime Information Board, and since then a regular employe of the Government's Canadian Information Service: Edward Wilfred Mazer- all, an electrical engineer at the National Research "Council; Kathleen Mary Willsher, deputy registrar in the office of the British High Commissioner to Canada.

The four have "admit-' ted" their implication. The Royal Commissioners, Mr. Justice! Boy L. Kellock and Mr. Justice Robert Taschereau, reported they had been able to re-riew the "complete Tactivities" only of the four agents named.

Man Agent Active. 1 Evidence indicated that other agents were The investigation is continuing For the first time since the spy probe began Russia was officially named as the foreign power hose agents had received secret information from employes of the Canadian Government 1 1 1 1. A network of "under-'. cover agents" had been organised and developed by the Rus sians in Canada; 2. Colonel Nicolai ZaboMn, recalled last December by Mos- row from the Russian Embassy in Ottawa where he was the military attache, was the main eog in the Soviet spy machine: 3.

Other members of bo-tin's staff together with Major the Soviet's commer-. rial counsellor in Ottawa, oner ated as espionage agents; 4. Gordon Lunan, an editor the Canadian Information Service, was the "director" of the Canadians who betrayed secret information to Col. Zabotin and his agents; Concluded on Page 14, Col. 2.

Former Prisoners Of Japs to Face Court-Martial Two former prisoners of war of theJapanese one Canadian and one British will be tried by "court-martial on several charges beginning March 11. In Winnipeg, it was' announced in London and Ottawa today. Company Sergeant-Major Marcus Charles Tugby, WO II, of the Canadian Army, will face- trial before a Canadian court-martial at Winnipeg on March 18, on charges ranging from collaborat- ing with the Japanese and the ill-treatment of fellow prisoners of war at the same prison camp and during the same time as the charges relating to the British NCO. Corporal (ASgt John Hugh Harvey. RAMC.

the British Army, will face trial before a British court-martial in Winnipeg on March 11 next, on charges ranging from manslaughter to collaboration with the Japanese and ill-treatment of fellow prisoners of war at Oeyama Prison Camp. Japan, between September 2, 1943. and September 10, 1945, Concluded on Page 12, Col. 7. GET WELFARE POSTS.

The appointments are made known today by Hon. Brooke Claxton, Minister of National Health and Welfare, of Joseph A. Blais of Quebec City, as Assistant Director of Family Allowances at Ottawa, and of Stanley J. Bailey of Vancouver, as Regional Director of Family Allowances for the Northwest Territories and "Vuko. Ott awa Text of Off icial Statement On Espionage Inquiry The Prime Minister, Mr.

Mackenzie King, made public today the following Interim Report received from the Royal Commission appointed under Order-in-Council PC 411, of the 5th of February', 1946: OTTAWA, 2nd March. Your Excellency: Pursuant to Order-in-Coun-cil PC 411, dated the 5th day of February, 1946, we have been conducting the investigation thereby provided for, having, commenced our sittings on Wednesday, the 13th day of February, 1946. We have now reached a stage in the hearing of evidence which permits us and renders it advisable for us to make an Interim Report. The evidence establishes that a' network of under-cover agents has organized and developed for the purpose of obtaining secret and confidential information particularly from employes of departments and agencies of the Dominion Government and from an employe of the office of the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Canada. The evidence that these operations were carried on by certain members of -the staff of the Soviet Embassy at Ottawa under direct instructions from Moscow.

The person directly in charge of these operations was Colonel Zabotin, Military Attache of the Embassy, who had as his active assistants in this work Lieutenant Colonel Motinov, Chief Assistant 'Military Attache, Lieutenant Colonel Rog-ov. Assistant Military Attache, Air. Major Sokolov, of the staff of the Commercial Counsellor, of the Embassy, Lieutenant Angelov. one of the Secretaries of the Military Attache, as well as other members of the staff of the Military Attache, all of whom, as well as the agents -whom they employed in the pursuance of their activities, were, in the interests of secrecy, known by under-cover names. We have noticed that each of the dossiers compiled by the staff of the Military Attache with respect to the Canadian agents contains this significant question: "Length of time in net" We think that the word, "net" well describes the or ganization set up and under development by Coldnel Zabotin and his predecessor.

We have had before us a former employe of the Russian Embassy at Ottawa, Igor Gou- zenko, the cipher clerk of -the -Military Attache, who has described this organization and its- functioning, and who has produced' original documents, the authenticity of which we accept. Assignment. As shown by these documents, the specified tasks committed to Colonel Zabotin were the following: (1) As described in telegrams from "The Director" at Moscow addressed to Colonel Zabotin under his cover name of in August, 1945. (a) The technological processes and methods employed- by Canadians and the English for the production of explosives and chemical materials. (b) Instructions as to which of the Members of the Staff of the Military Attache should contact particular Canadian agents and the suggestion of names of persons In the Depart- ment of National Defence for Naval Affairs who might act as agents.

-lc) Information as to the transfer of the American troops from Europe to the United 8Utes and the Pacific; also the Army Headquarters of the 8th Army, the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 13th Army Corp, the 18th Armored Division, the 2nd, 4th, 8th, "28th, 30th. 44th, 45th, 104th Infantry Divisions and the 13th Tank Division, together with the dates of their moves, the location of the Armv Head- quarters of the 8th and 16th Armored Corps, the 29th and 89th Infantry Divisions, the 10th Tank Division and the location of the Brazilian-Infantry Division. Whether or not there, had been organized- a staff for the American troops in Germany and, if so, its location and the name of the Offleer-in-Command. The location of the 1st Parachute Troops and the plans for their future use. Instructions take measures to obtain particulars as to the materials of.

which the atomic bomb is composed, its technological process and drawings. (2) As described in writings under the hands of Zabotin, Motinov and Rogov, during the period March to August, 1945: (a) To obtain from the National Council models of developed radar sets, photographs, technical data, periodic reports characterising the radar work carried on by the Council and future developments planned by the Council. b) Particulars of "the explosives establishment at Val--cartier and its work, including the obtaining of formulas of explosives and samples. c) A full report on the or-; ganization and personnel of-, the National Research Coun- ell; "Give more details of organization of Research Council. Manipulate so as to get to their leaders and find out what they i I (d) Particular work of spe- -cified employes of the Research Council.

(e) The obtaining of documents from the library of the National Research Council so that they might be photographed, with the expressed Intention of ultimately obtaining, the whole of the library of the National Research Council. It) Particulars' as to the plant at Chalk River, Ontario, and the: processing of uranium. (g) The obtaining of a sample of uranium 235, with details as to the plant where it is produced. (h) Specifications of the electro-projector of the bomb. (i) Research work being carried on with relation to explosive materials and artillery.

() The obtaining of material on the American aeroplane radar locatorl type, navigation periscope. Ik) A list of the Army Divisions of the Canadian Army which have returned from overseas and the names, or numbers, of the divisions which have been divided, or reshaped, or undergoing- re-shaping, (l)-The number of troops in the Canadian Army in the postwar period, together with the system of its organization. (m) Information from the Department of Munitions and Supply of various kinds relating to guns, shells, small arms, ammunition for small arms, arsenals, optical and radio appliances, automobiles and tanks, apparatus for chemical warfare and particulars of plants producing same. I Concluded on Page. 14, Col.

1. Remove 27 Bodies From Plane Wreckage SAN DIEGO, March 4. WH-Bodies of 27 victims of the worst crash in the history of United states commercial air lines against the side of a mountain 45 miles east of herewere being removedAfrom the wreck' age today. The first bodies, tound by sher iffs deputies and Navy sailors, were those of two infants. They were, brought to a mortuary here.

Removal of the other 25 vie tims, 15 men and 10 women, was delayed by the difficulties of the terrain. They had to be carried by litter a half mile to bulldozer road where Navy jeeps were waiting to take them two miles farther to an emergency coroner's station and waiting ambulances. Four Arraigned E. W. MAZERALL.

29. MRS. WOIKIN'S LIFE IN Today in Ottawa Police Court Blonde Attended Night School At Tech Twice Weekly Mrs. Emma Woikin, 25-year-old Grade 2 clerk in the Cipher Branch of the Department of External Affairs, Ottawa, made use of her position of trust and knowledge of the contents of secret Government telegrams to give such confidential information to Russian 'officials in Ottawa, it was stated today in the official statement on the spy ring inquiry. i Mrs.

Woikin, a native of Saskatchewan and of Russian parentage, gave such secrets to Major Sokolov, of the staff of the Commercial Counsellor at the Russian Embassy, it was stated. Absent Since February 15. The naming of Mrs. Woikin as a member of the espionage ring TSmflimedthe suspicions, of fellow employes who had noted her absence from her post since 13. It was on that morning, at approximately six o'clock, that RCMP officers, including a police- arrested her at her room- ing house, 298 Somerset street east.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Choquette, with whom she had lived at that address since last November 1, said Mrs. was a quiet woman, apparently deeply interested in art and literature. Prior to living with them, "she had resided with Mr.

and Mrs. Leo Malania, 357 Chapel street. She was married when she was 17, her husband's death occurring four years ago. Before getting a job with the External Affairs Department, 'she was employed as a waitress in an Ottawa restaurant, obtaining that work when- she first came here two years ago. She qualified as a Grade 2 clerk Jast New Year's, and had since worked in the Cipher Branch.

Concluded on Pare 12, Col. 1. NOMINEE FOR MODERATOR. MONTREAL, March 4. (CP) Rev.

T. Jones, minister of Calvary United Church, Wesfmount, for the. last 30 years, was nominated by the Mbritrcal Presbytery today for moderator of the General Council of the United Church of Canada. 1 1 "'1 1 ir-'- .1 MRS. EMMA 25.

OTTAWA No Comment! By The Canadian Press. No comment was. available from the Soviet Embassy regarding the interim report of the Royal Corn- mission investigating espionage activities, which named four Government employes who supplied secret information to five members of the Embassy staff here. Telephone calls were answered by a thick-voiced man, who said he could not understand and "please call Oh' previous occasions, tele-j phone queries for comment from! Embassy officials have been evad-! id in similar fashion or with a pomment that the case was being, handled jdirectly by Moscow, ChurchillTruman Leave for Fulton O'clock Edition Service. Washington.

March. 4. (BUP) President Truman and former Prime Minister Churchill left today by train for Fulton, where Churchill will deliver an important address at Westminster College tomorrow. The special train bearing the President, famed British war leader' and about 100 members of the Presidential party left Union Station here at p.m. EST.

I ACCUSED OTTAWA WOMAN IN FORMAL PICTURE Mrs. Emma Woikin, 25, former cipher clerk in the External Affairs Department in Ottawa, who pleaded guilty in Police Court today to two charges of conspiring to give confidential and secret information to the Soviet. I' If A- ye aw M'" MISS. K. M.

WILLSHER, 46. Ontario Plans Minimum Wagejor Men Liquor Control Act Changes Coming i Says Throne Speech TORONTO, Match 4. CP) A minimum wage for men, described as a "pew departure" for Ontario was forecast today in the Speech from the Throne read at the opening of the second session of Ontario's 22nd Legislature by, Lieutenant Crovernor Albert Matthews. 1 The speech, which also foreshadowed changes in liquor licensing policy, did not list specific figures for the minimum wage but said it should, prove "of great value" to unskilled and semiskilled workers. A minimum wage for women already is in effect.

Other Highlights. Other highlights of the speech Announcement of "improved" policing services especially in rural areas; A new system of licensing for marketing of farm products; A new Government department to supervise tourist activities; Introduction into all industry of the two percent, pro rata system of holidays with pay adopted last year in the building trades industry; A new planning bill to permit expropriation for housing purposes and prbvlslon for licensing and control of business brokers. The Speech said regulations designed to increase, rates of pay and guarantee greater security to women workers would be put into effect shortly. The Minl-mum Wage Act generally would be broadened to bring pay and working hours Jn line with present requirements. Some changes would be made in the Hours of Work and Vacations.

With Pavi Act, which came into effect in July, 1944. To Amend LCA. Changes in i liquor licensing, previously hinted by Attorney-General Blackwell, were foreshadowed in the brief announcement that the Liquor Authority Control Act of 1944 will be amended to "improve the licensing and controlling of licensed Concluded on Page 2, C'bl. S. (THE WEATHER Ottawa and Upper St, Lawrence Valleys: Fair, and somewhat colder tonight and Tuesday.

Temperatures. Minimum and maximum temperatures as reported by Dominion Meteorological Bureau: Vancouver; 41, 49; Victoria, 38.. 49; Edmonton, 12, 34; Calgary, ze. 33; Prince Albert, 18b. 20; Saskatoon.

4bv Regina. 6b, 21; Winnipeg. 4b, 23; White River, 6b, North (Bay, 23, 32; London, 31, 40 Toronto, 33, 39; Ottawa, 22, 38; Quebec, 24, Saint John, 37, 39; Halifax, 34, 43. The Jnurrfal thermometer it noon re filtered 48 degree. on Spy Charges WJ3 CAPT.

GORDON LUNAN, SO. (Photos by T. V. Little). Arrest Made In Spy Probe At London LONDON, March 4.

(CP) Dr. May was arrested by Special Branch officers from Scotlandyard today when he completed a lecture at King's College, London. He was charged under the Official Secrets Act in connection with, according to the Press Association, investigations Into the Canadian spy ring. A London University under-graduate sild tonight that May is regarded as an authority' on atomic Energy, The Special Branch police come under the Home Office and normal police sources in the metropolitan distf-ict said they had no information; on the case. At the Home Office an official said! "I can confirm that a man a Dr.

A. Nunn May has been arrested and charged under the Official Secrets Act and appears in Bow Street Police Court tomorrow mornipg. I cannot say whether he is a Canadian or whether he is charged with association with the Canadian case. These things may- come out in court. Sorry." Concluded on Page 4.

Col. (Top) COL NfCOLAI ZABOTIN, recently recalled miliUry attache of the Soviet Embassy in Ottawa, who today was identified by the Taschereau-Kellock Royal Commission as the person "direct ly in charge" of a network of undercover agents organized and developed for the purpose of ob talhing secret and confidential in formation, particularly from i employes of departments and agencies of the Dominion Government, and from an employe of the of fice of the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Canada. (Below) LT. COL. VASILY ROGOV, chief assistant military attache at the Soviet Embassy, named atXabMln's chief assistant i i sw'? .1 Emma Woikin Pleads Guilty To Charge Four persons, including two women, appeared in Ottawa Police Court before Magistrate Glenn E.

Strike at 1 o'clock this afternoon on charges of communicating secret and confidential documents to agents of the Soviet Republic. First of the accused to appear was Emma Woikin, who pleaded guilty. The information contained on the official court record was as follows: Mrs. Emma Woikin, 23, widow, of 298 Somerset street east: re ligion, Doukhobor. Miss Kathleen Mary Willsher.

40, single, of 225 Kent street, Ottawa; religion. United Church-Captain Gordon Lunan, 30. married, of 2048 Union avenue. Montreal; religion, Protestant Edward Wilfred MazeralL 29, married, of Billings' Bridge; atheist. After Mrs.

Woikin pleaded guilty the other three were remanded without plea until March 11. Named as accomplices in the Lunan charge were Lt-CoL Vas-sily M. Rogov, assistant military attache, air, USSR, and E. W. Mazerall: Charge Against Woman.

The charge against Mrs. Woikin was: "That she did unlawfully conspire with Major Sokolov, Embassy in Ottawa, and Mrs. Sokolov, to procure secret and con- fidentlal documents directly or mairectiy useiui 10 a toreign power for purposes prejudicial to the safety of the state''. Under the Official Secrets Act' the maximum penalty is seven years imprisonment. Under the Criminal Code the extreme penalty is death by hanging.

Mrs. Woikin was not represent ee by counsel. She seemed un- penuroea out oewuaerea at tne lecaj formula as read out by Court Clerk John M. Jackson. "Do you understand the meaning of this question?" Magistrate Strike asked the accused woman, when she had been given the option for trial in police court or by a higher court Mrs.

Woikin -still seemed pus-sled. She agreed to trial before Magistrate and promptly piraaea uuij. "I did if, she said. Two similar charges were laid against Mrs. Woikin, and the other accused.

One of the charges was laid under the Official Secrets' Act, and the other under the Criminal Code of Canada. Lee A. Kelley, KC, and Byron W. Howard, "KC, acted as special prosecutors for the Crown. Asked by Magistrate Strike if the Crown wished to make any statement as to the cases, Mr-Kelley "The Royal Commission Investigating these charges is still he said, "and any statement-of the Crown position might be prejudicial to the work of the.

commission." 1 Miss Willsher Charged. Second of the accused was Kathleen Mary Willsher, an employe of the office of the United Kingdom High Commissioner in Canada, who charged with conspiring with employes of the v.mmuian uoveromeni to secure secret and confidential information, which might be useful to a foreign power. Miss Willsher was dressed in a seal coat and 'a black bat on top of her braided hair. Like Mrs. Woikin, Miss Willsher was not represented by counsel: She told Magistrate Strike that she would like more time before electing trial, or before entering a plea.

Sh was rmanHri unfit KtfH 11 for plea. Mrs. Woikin was remanded until March 11 tfor hearing. Concluded on Page 12. Col.

(. British, French Troops To Quit Syria March 11 PARIS. March 4. (Jp The French Foreign Office today announced that France and Britain have agreed to withdraw their troops from Syria by April 30. Joint withdrawal of the troops will begin March 11, the' announcement said.

It added that a French-British military commission which' negotiated the agreement now la studying plana for the evacuation of Lebanon..

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Pages Available:
843,608
Years Available:
1885-1980