HC Deb 05 July 1911 vol 27 cc1108-9
Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was aware that it was over three months since Miss Malecka was arrested by the Russian authorities, and that she has not up to the present been brought to trial; and if he would bring pressure to bear upon the Russian Government so that her trial may not be further delayed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. McKinnon Wood)

I am aware of the facts alluded to. The hon. Member will have seen from the replies returned to previous questions on the subject that all the steps which His Majesty's Government were entitled to take have been taken to expedite Miss Malecka's trial, and that the Russian Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs has promised to do his best to ensure that this shall be done.

Mr. MORRELL

Has the Foreign Office endeavoured to ascertain particulars of the charges against this lady, that is to say, when, with whom and how she is alleged to have conspired?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

The British Consul at Warsaw, as has already been stated, has seen the lady.

Mr. MORRELL

Has my right hon. Friend obtained a report from the British Consul at Warsaw yet on these points?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Not on these particular points.

Mr. MORRELL

Will he endeavour to get that information?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

If he is aware of it.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

How long has this lady been kept in prison without trial?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

Three months.