Washington, Feb. 15.
John 8, Farnsworth, former lleuttenant-commander in' the United Stales Navy, now on trial for alleged sale of confidential naval documents {o Japanese agents, entered a plea of nolo contendere to-day, declaring that he would not offer a' defence ton charge of espionage, Justice James M: Proctor, presiding at the trial, announced that he would Fescive judgment until atter he has heard comments by counsel for both "The action technically means that Farnsworth virtually pleads. guilty but docs not defend himself and leaves his fate to the Court, The maximum possible sentence for espionage is twenty years imprison~ ment.
'A spokesman for the Japanese Embaisy to-day said he had no comment to make on the case, Previous Investigation indicated that Farnsworth had sold a text-book on naval strategy to an official of the Embassy who Is not now in Washington, Counsel for Farnsworth explained that by entering a nolo contendere plea the defendant will not lose his eilizenship and other civil rights.
Feb. 18.
Farnsworth was to-day granted permission to appear in court. next Tuesday and change his plea to not quilly." This will necessitate a trial the case.
Feb, 19, The Government announced to-day that it would oppose the request of John 8. Farnsworth, former lieutenant-commander in the navy accused of espionage, to change his plea from nolo contendere to not guilty. Government attorneys will deny. Fars-worth's assertion' that his original plea was submitted "under extreme ressure."—United Press, Two Japanese Kdentined The indictment, says Route identined two Japanese naval oticers Commander Himiya and Lieutenant Commander Yamaki, gs conspirators, tut neither was indicted on account of diplomatic immunity.
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