HC Deb 23 August 1881 vol 265 cc724-5
BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is correct, as stated in the leading article in the "Times" of 22nd August, "That Mr. Lewisohn has applied through the Foreign Office for permission to return to Russia, and this also has been refused him;" and, whether, in the event of Mr. Lewisohn having already started for Russia, duly provided with a Foreign Office passport properly viséd by the Russian authorities here, relying upon the protection guaranteed by International Law to every British subject travelling abroad who is in possession of such document, Her Majesty's Government will give immediate telegraphic instructions to Her Majesty's Ambassador or Chargé d'Affaires at St. Petersburg to the effect that protection and asylum shall be given to Mr. Lowisohn in the event of the Russian authorities again illegally taking steps for his expulsion, as was the case in September last?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, Mr. Lewisohn has informed the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs that he proposes to visit Russia again, but before doing so he desires to know whether Her Majesty's Government will afford him protection against the risk of expulsion of the ground of his religion. The question whether Mr. Lewisohn's expulsion on the occasion of his last visit to Russia was or was not warranted by the laws and the Treaty obligations of that country is still the subject of Correspondence between the two Governments, and pending the result of the friendly communications which are taking place on the subject I can make no further statement.

BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked whether, if Mr. Lewisohn visited St. Petersburg, Her Majesty's Government would instruct Her Majesty's Ambassador or Chargé d'Affaires there to grant him an asylum, if it were necessary?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Sir, I do not think it desirable that anything of that kind should be done while friendly communications are going on between the two Governments on this subject.

BARON HENRY DE WORMS

asked whether any British subject who might be expelled, from St. Petersburg contrary to Treaty agreements would not have the right of asylum generally granted under those circumstances at Her Majesty's Embassy, or whether this was an exceptional case?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I would rather leave that Question to be answered by the Attorney General.

BARON HENRY DE WORMS

begged to ask the Attorney General. Probably the hon. and learned Gentleman could answer the Question off-hand; or, if it was preferred, he would give Notice of the Question.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

If you please.