§ MR. PIKE PEASE (Darlington)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any further information as to the murder, on 26th February, of Mr. James Lyall, acting vice-consul at Ciudad Bolivar; whether the Venezuelan Government have refused to try the murderer, who was taken red-handed; whether Her Majesty's Government have sent Her Majesty's sloop "Alert" to investigate the murder, and whether this means that a trial will be insisted on at an early date; and whether, considering the fact that there is evidence that this was a political crime, and that Mr. Lyall was murdered on account of his official position, Her Majesty's Government will insist upon an indemnity being paid, and in any event make adequate compensation to Mr. Lyall's family.
§ *MR. BRODRICKThere is no further information to give respecting the murder of Mr. Lyall. The Venezuelan Government have not refused to try the murderer, but have assured Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires, who is constantly making representations on the subject, that the proceedings will be conducted properly in accordance with Venezuelan law. An early decision has been pressed for. Her Majesty's ship "Alert" has visited Ciudad Bolivar. Her Majesty's Government must await the full report of the trial before the question of demanding compensation can be considered.