The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-03-24

Washington, March 24.-After re-
fusing to testify, Harry f. Sinclair
issued statement in which he gave
| his version of the Teapot Dome
affair.
Sinclair said the $4,000 he gave
former Secretary of the Interior A
b. Fall in Liberty bonds was re-
ouested by Fall on the eve of depart
ing for Russia as the oil mans coun-
sci and $4,000 was paid Fall by the
Russian oil interests
Sinclair struck back savagely at
Theodore and Archie Roosevelt, ac-
cusing them of framing" his former
secretary, G. w. Wahlberg, in order
to blacken Sinclair's character. Sim
clair said Archie proved to have no
ability, though he raised his salary
from $4,000 gradually to $4,000.
Sinclair, in his voluntary statement,
said that:
Archie and Colonel Theodore
Roosevelt and attempted to "assas-
sinate my character"
He paid a million dollars to Fred
G. Bonfils, Of Denver, for invalida,ed
claims to Teapot Dome, because his
lawyers so advised. He stated if
there was "any> fraudulent represen-
tation of blackmail," proper redress
would be sought in the courts.
He did not enter into negotiations
with Fall for the lease of Teapot
Dome as early as March, 1921, the
month Fall took office.
During my negotiations with
former Secretary Fall in relation to
the Mammoth Oil contract" said Mr..
Sinclair. 81 had become impressed by
his knowledge of international law,
and by his acquaintance with the
world oil situation, so when this Rus
sian matter was submitted to me dur
ing the latter part of April or the
early part of May, 1928, considered
it important that we should have
with us on our contemplated trip to
Russia, a man of the ability and ex-
perience of the former secretary.
Defends Right to Employ Fall
"That was about three months after
Mr.. Fall had retired from President
Harding's cabinet. AS he was then a
private citizen and ready to resume
the practise of his profession, l saw
no reason why | should not employ
him as legal counsel in connect. on
with negotiations we were about to
with representatives of
the Russian government. According
ly / set about securing his services
and as we were to sail from New
York on May 26, 1923, which date
was then close at hand, instructed
Mr.. Zevely, one of my attorneys, to !
endeavor to have Mr.. Fall sail with
Us or follow US to Europe at the earl
est possible moment.
"Mr. Zevely' aater advised me that |
# Mr.. Fall was to leave on such short !
notice for an extended European trip
t would be necessary for him to
have sum of money approximately
$4,000 to meet certain obligations.
t was more convenient at the mo-
nent for me to let him have secdri-
les rather than cash amounting to
$4,000, SO | instructed Mr.. Zevely in
'ase Mr.. Fall should make the trip to
ret the amount in Liberty Bonds
rom my private secretary.
"NO Secrecy" Says Sinclair
81 left for Europe before the mat
er was arranged but was of course
informed about it.
81 wish to state, however, that
here was not the slightest secrecy
onnected with this transaction. The
'onds were sent by express to the
'ank designated by Mr.. Fall and a
etter was written by Mr.. Zevely re-
uesting the bank to place the bends
0 Mr.. Falls credit.
ut is obvious that no need was felt
o practise concealment or subterfuge.
Testimony has been offered before
he committee regarding $4,000
'hich was advanced to Mr.. Fall
gainst the expenses of his trip to
CONTINUED on page 81