§ SIR GEORGE DOUGHTY (Great Grimsby)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has placed before the German Government the case of the illegal arrest of the steam trawler "General "by the German gunboat "Zeeder "on 9th May last; whether he is aware that the vessel was boarded by a German crew and taken to Cuxhaven, that the captain was imprisoned and the cargo of fish destroyed, and that when tried by the court they proved their innocence and the ship and crew were released; and whether he can state what compensation the German Government intend to award the fishermen and vessel owners for the loss they have sustained.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI am aware of the case referred to by the hon. Member. No claim has yet been presented to the German Government, as I am still awaiting the receipt of the official account of the trial and other material, but the matter is receiving careful consideration.
§ EARL WINTERTONIs it not the fact that in these cases foreign Governments acquaint our Government with the trial and its sequel?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYWhere it is a matter of importance we instruct our Consuls to watch the case and report to us.
§ SIR GEORGE DOUGHTYHave you had any report in this case?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI am expecting a full report in a week or so.