For the first time I
shall explain how, why and by whom I was secretly released. Until I
revealed myself in the United States, even the German Foreign Office
thought me in jail.
Against me the crown had summoned forty-five witnesses. They included
admirals, colonels, captains, military and naval experts, post office
officials--I cannot recall all. The press from all parts of
Europe--for all Europe was vitally concerned in this trial--was
represented. My memory shows me again the crowds that packed the big
supreme court building at Edinburgh on the first day of the
proceedings. The imposing names connected with the trial, the strange
circumstances, a spy, moreover a German!--These things brought the
excitement to fever heat.
Presiding was the Lord Justice of Scotland, himself no mean expert in
military matters. The Solicitor General of Scotland, A. M. Anderson,
who prosecuted for the crown, was supported by G. Morton, Advocate
Deputy. The government had indeed an imposing array of bewigged,
black-gowned, legal notables marshaled against me.
Those familiar with English court procedure know the impressive manner
with which justice is dispensed. Punctually at ten on the morning of
July 22, 1912, my trial opened. Clad in his royal red robe with the
ermine collar of supreme justice, the Lord Justice entered the court.
Before him walked a mace bearer, intoning "Gentlemen, the Lord
Justice! Gentlemen, the Court!" After the impressive ceremonies had
been observed, the jury was quickly empaneled, I making several
challenges.
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