HC Deb 10 November 1882 vol 274 cc1192-5
SIR E. ASSHETON CROSS

asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether the statement in the "Standard" newspaper of the 6th instant is true, that certain Cuban refugees were taken to the British frontier, near Gibraltar, and prevented from returning into British territory; and, if so, whether this proceeding was the subject of any previous arrangement, negotiation, or discussion, between the Spanish and British authorities; and, if he will forthwith lay upon the Table any communication, by telegram or otherwise, between the Colonial Office and the authorities at Gibraltar upon this subject?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Sir, it is somewhat inconvenient—I was going to say very inconvenient—to have to state to the House information in fragmentary reports by telegraph on a matter which is under judicial inquiry, and in regard to which we expect the full details very shortly. The proper course would be that the Papers and the decision of the Home Government should be laid on the Table at the same time. In consequence of the Question put by the right hon. Gentleman the other day, we telegraphed to the Governor of Gibraltar, and I have the authority of the Secretary of State for the Colonies to read the reply to the House. Of course we telegraphed, hoping that the answer would be an absolute denial of the statement in The Standard; but I am sorry to say that it has not turned out to be so. This is the telegram received from Lord Napier, dated the 7th November— If question as to previous arrangements between British and Spanish authorities means Governments, it should be emphatically denied. As regards Acting Police Magistrate and Chief Inspector, it is fully admitted Acting Police Magistrate ordered Chief Inspector to carry out instructions of Colonial Secretary's memorandum, 16th August. Both officers believed Colonial Secretary to mean that Maceo was to be expelled, as requested by Spanish Consul, in order to facilitate apprehension by Spanish police. Chief Inspector acted on his own responsibility, and without orders regarding the other persons whom he believed should be included with Maceo. He informed Spanish Consul that fugitives would be expelled before evening gun fire, and expected their arrest. All I would add, in justice to Lord Napier, is that four days before the telegram was sent to him he sent a despatch, dated Nov. 2, in which he stated what I have already mentioned to the House, that he himself was absolutely ignorant of the whole transaction. He said— I was unaware of the case until I saw it mentioned in the Gibraltar Chronicle some days after its occurrence.

SIR E. ASSHETON CROSS

Will the hon. Gentleman lay the Paper on the Table of the House?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

I expect before a week is over the Committee ap- pointed by Lord Napier to inquire into the subject will have given its Report, and then the Papers will be presented as soon as possible. The Committee is composed of Mr. M. Campbell and Major Hildyard, Brigade Major, and is presided over by Mr. Sheriff, the Attorney General.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

The hon. Gentleman has referred to the Colonial Secretary. Will he be good enough to explain to the House what the Colonial Secretary had to do with it?

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

I meant the local Colonial Secretary, General Baynes. He was the recipient of communications from the Spanish Consul.

SIR E. ASSHETON CROSS

But he himself was implicated in the transaction.

MR. EVELYN ASHLEY

Undoubtedly he is one of the parties whose conduct is to be inquired into.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

I shall repeat my Question on this day week.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, What communications have taken place between the Spanish and British Governments on the subject of the Cuban refugees; what were the dates and substance of the first communication on behalf of the British Government; whether it was made by telegram, or otherwise; and, if he will forthwith lay any such communication upon the Table of the House?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

I answered this Question last night in reply to the noble Lord the Member for Woodstock (Lord Randolph Churchill). The first communication, as I have twice stated, was in the exact terms of the reply given on behalf of the Colonial Office in this House.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

asked whether it was true, as reported in that day's papers, that the Spanish Government had refused to surrender the refugees?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

Her Majesty's Government have received no document from the Spanish Government confirming the truth of the statement. We have had no communication from, the Spanish Government up to the present time, and we have no reason to suppose that we shall receive any until we make official representations to them after we have received the Report of the Committee of Inquiry instituted by Lord Napier.