§ 7. Mr. MORRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he could now make any further statement as to the case of Miss Malecka?
§ Sir E. GREYI am informed that the Emperor has ordered Miss Malecka's expulsion from Russia. As her conduct in some instances was undoubtedly such as no British subject has a right to pursue in a foreign country, I think that the action of the Emperor and of the Russian Government should receive the fullest possible recognition, and will, I am sure, be appreciated as a generous and friendly act by the House. I trust it will also be recognised that British subjects residing abroad should not interfere in political questions in foreign countries, and should not receive any encouragement from here to do so, and I trust nothing will be said in connection with this case calculated to give any other impression.
§ Mr. MORRELLWhen does the right hon. Gentleman propose to lay papers regarding the case?
§ Sir E. GREYI think, in view of the fact that Miss Malecka has been released, and all the penalties entailed by the sentence have been remitted or commuted simply to expulsion from Russia, the House will probably feel that it is not necessary.
§ Mr. MORRELLWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that it was at his request there was no Debate on this case, and that for the sake of future reference it is very desirable that some official report of the case should be laid? [Several HON. MEMBERS: "No."]
§ Sir E. GREYIn an answer I gave the other day I think I did recognise—at all events, I meant to do so— that I had given that promise to the House, and that if I did not lay papers it could only be because by the general sense of the House I was released from the promise I had given.
§ Sir J. D. REESHad Miss Malecka's activities ever come under the notice of our Consul in Warsaw?
§ Sir E. GREYI think it is undesirable to re-open that question. I have at various times made statements, and one of the answers I gave last year probably covers 674 that particular question. I think it is undesirable, if I am not to lay papers, to re-open the question.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs it not advisable, in the interests of British subjects, who, in the future, may be involved in other countries that there should be on record a full statement of the case from the British Government's point of view?
§ Mr. G. LLOYDWill the right hon. Gentleman refuse that request entirely in view of the prejudice it might have on our foreign relations?
§ Sir E. GREYI am really in the hands of the House. If the general sense of the House is in favour of papers being laid, a promise to lay papers having been given, that promise will be kept. All I can do is to submit to the House that, in view of the way in which the case has terminated, the House as a whole should agree to my being released from the promise.
§ Mr. KINGHow does the right hon. Gentleman expect to get at the general sense of the House without there being some discussion on the matter?