HC Deb 28 April 1908 vol 187 c1088
MR. BELLOC (Salford, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government have at any time formulated any definite charge against the British subject, Mr. Luxenburg, recently thrown into prison without trial; and whether, as has been alleged, any close relation of his has, or is accused by the Russian Government of having, plotted against the existing Government of that country.

MR. MITCHELL-THOMSON

At the same time, may I ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the circumstances attending the arrest and imprisonment of Mr. Luxenburg justify a claim for compensation for that gentleman; and whether such a claim has been or will be put forward by the British Government.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY,) Northumberland, Berwick

I understand that Mr. Luxenburg was notified to the authorities as being engaged in revolutionary propaganda, and was arrested in consequence in a district which was treated as in a state of siege. It turned out apparently that there was no foundation for such a charge, and he was released. But the information I have at present is somewhat vague, and I have asked His Majesty's Ambassador to get more definite information as to the reason for the arrest. I expect to receive a further report from him. I am not aware whether any relation of Mr. Luxenburg has plotted against the Russian Government.