TRIAL OF CAPTAIN MEISSNER OF THE BATORY

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80S01540R006600080023-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 1
• Document Creation Date: December 27, 2016
• Document Release Date: March 28, 2013
• Sequence Number: 23
• Publication Date: May 31, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/03/28: CIA-RDP80501540R006600080023-2
CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
This material contains information affecting the hla-
SKI* listener of the United Matte within the mean-
ing id the aplomb, Law& Title 111, Sem. 713
end IN, the transmierion or errelialion Or which in
111/.4000106 to an unautlieriord pima ta prohibited
-
50X1 -HUM
50X1 -HUM.
COUNTRY
SUBJECT
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRED
Poland
Trial of Captain Meissner
of the BATORY
REPORT
DATE DISTR.
44:- NO. OF PAGES
REQUIREMENT NO.
REFERENCES
31 May 1955
1
RD
THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
50X1 -HUM
50X1 -HUM
50X1 -HUM
1. Captain Meissner, ex-master of the MB BATORYswas tried by a maritime court in Gdynia
and found guilty of negligence in connection with the loss of four sailors in the
Mediterranean in December 1954,
2. The verdict was changed at the last moment. The judge was intercepted on his
return to court after deliberation, during which Meissner was found not guilty.
The messenger told the judge that according to Party instructions he was to
return a verdict of "guilty of negligence with extenuating circumstances".
3. Meissner was demoted from the rank of commodore of the Polish Merchant Mhrine
and given the command of the GENERAL BEM on the China run.
4. Subsequently, however, Meissner was taken off the GENERAL BEM one hour before
sailing time. The reason given: the Party was not satisfied with the maritime
court's findings and sentence. Meissner is to appear before another court shortly.
5. First Officer Pszenny (fnu), who was on the bridge at the time, was not indicted
on Party instructions.
6. The boatswain, who acted without orders and was the real man responsible, has been
suspended indefinitely.
STATE I X I ARMY X
NAVY
S-E-C-R-E-T
AIR
X I FSI
AEC
'NOTE: Washington distribution indicated by "X"; Field distribution by "*".)
..????????????
A
50X1 -HUM
50X1 -HUM
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/03/28: CIA-RDP80501540R006600080023-2