HC Deb 18 May 1936 vol 312 cc814-5
11. Mr. A. HENDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received a full report from His Majesty's Minister at Berne on the trial of Dr. Wesemann; and, if so, will he make a statement on the subject?

Mr. EDEN

Yes, Sir. I have now received reports from His Majesty's Minister at Berne summarising the proceedings at the trial of Dr. Wesemann. Dr. Wesemann was sentenced to three years' penal servitude, to deprivation of civic rights for five years and to the payment of 5,000 francs damages and costs, on a charge of having kidnapped a journalist, Herr Jacob, in Basle in March, 1935, and conveyed him across the German frontier.

Mr. HENDERSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman not received a report with regard to the allegations that were made by Dr. Wesemann, to the effect that the German Embassy in this country had used diplomatic immunity in order to facilitate the activities of the German secret police?

Lieut.-Colonel MOORE

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether these allegations were not—

HON. MEMBERS

"No," and "Answer."

Mr. EDEN

I understand that, as reported at the time in the Press, the deposition made by Dr. Wesemann to the Swiss authorities was read during the trial, in which he stated that the German Embassy in London had nothing to do with these activities in connection with the abduction of Herr Jacob.

Mr. GALLACHER

Is there any likelihood of the Government breaking open the safe at the German Embassy?

Mr. HENDERSON

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement was definitely made by Dr. Wesemann in reference to the activities of the secret police generally, and not in connection with one particular agent, and, if that be so, will he not consider making representations to the German Embassy that facilitating the activities of the German secret police generally is not in accordance with diplomatic immunity?

Mr. EDEN

The hon. Gentleman will know that these are delicate matters. I should be grateful if any questions about them could be put on the Paper, so that I could examine them.

TABLE showing the total declared value of merchandise imported into and exported from the United Kingdom and registered during the six months ended March, 1936, as consigned from or to Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Country from or to which consigned. Total Imports, Exports.
Produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom Imported Merchandise.
£'000. £'000. £'000.
Canada … … 33,992 10,778 550
Australia … … 31,926 15,302 379
New Zealand … … 18,325 7,047 117
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