Mr. CAWLEYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Miss Malecka is, in fact, a British or a Russian subject?
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot on this point add to previous answers that I have given. I am awaiting the full Report of the trial in order to see whether anything that was stated there gives reason to modify opinions previously expressed.
§ Mr. MORRELLCan the right hon. Gentleman say from any of the telegraphed reports he may have received, whether in the indictment and also the sentence Miss Malecka was described as a British subject?
§ Sir E. GREYI will deal with that point on the question which stands in the hon. Member's own name.
EARL Of RONALDSHAYIs it not a fact that Miss Malecka is claimed both by the British authorities and the Russian authorities as a subject of the respective countries, and is it possible for any person to be the subject of two different countries at the same time?
§ Sir E. GREYThere have been undoubted cases of double nationality; but on this particular point I would ask the Noble Lord to wait till I say what I have to say in reply to the question of the hon. Gentleman the Member for Burnley.
§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked whether any visitors are permitted to see Miss Malecka in prison, and in particular whether the British Consul is allowed to have access to her?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires telegraphed on the 12th instant that he had taken steps to obtain permission for Miss Malecka's counsel, at any rate, to visit her, and I have requested permission also for the Consul.
§ Mr. MORRELLIs there any truth in the statement in the Press that her counsel has been refused permission to see her?
§ Sir E. GREYI have not heard that.
§ Mr. MORRELLasked what were the main acts of conspiracy upon which Miss Malecka has been condemned to four years' hard labour by the Court at Warsaw; and whether, in the event of no serious charge having been proved against her, he will make representations to the Russian Government to secure her release?
§ Sir E. GREYI cannot yet answer the first part of the question. As regards the second, I am aware that Miss Malecka is well known to and respected by many people in this country who would not think of countenancing or befriending anyone who participated in any criminal designs, and who take a deep interest in the case. The Consul stated, in a dispatch received this week that the full report of the trial would be forwarded in a day or two. I have telegraphed to know when the report will be received, and His Majesty's Government will consider it carefully as soon as possible; but to make further statements before the full report of the trial is received must result in prejudicing beforehand any future efforts 1258 that can be made on behalf of Miss Malecka. It is stated that, in the indictment and the sentence, Miss Malecka is described as a British subject; and I have already entered into communication with the Russian Government on the case.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is a fact that letters take less than three days coming from Warsaw, and that six days have elapsed since the right hon. Gentleman called for the report?
§ Sir E. GREYThe trial was of considerable length, and it must take some time to draw up the report of the trial. It is very desirable that the report should be a carefully considered report, because the matter is of considerable interest in this country. I telegraphed to the Consul when the report may be expected, and I expect to receive it very soon; but I think it most desirable that there should be proper time to draw up the report, which will be conclusive.
§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise fully the growing storm which is rising in the country, and the expectation that he will firmly assert the traditions of British liberty in regard to British subjects abroad?
§ Sir E. GREYI should like to ask my hon. Friend whether he heard the original answer I gave. If so, he must be aware that we are fully alive to the interest that is taken in this matter.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDHas the right hon. Gentleman any idea when he is going to get this report, anything more definite?
§ Sir E. GREYI will read this passage from my original answer: "The Consul stated in a dispatch received this week that the full report of the trial will be forwarded in a day or two." This dispatch was dated the 11th. I telegraphed since to know when the report would be received; it might be received at any moment, and it can only be a question of a day or two.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman assured himself that until the report is received and until the Government is in a position to make representations, the sentence should not be carried out?
§ Sir E. GREYI have asked for permission for her counsel to consult with her, 1259 and that the Consul should visit her. I understand if she decides to exercise the right of appeal she will be detained in prison where she is now, but the sentence will not come into effect pending the decision of the appeal. I have not yet heard what is decided in regard to an appeal, but I imagine there is no question of the sentence being carried into effect so rapidly as to prevent any proper time for the consideration of the question whether there should be an appeal.
§ Viscount HELMSLEYHas the right hon. Gentleman any assurances upon that point?
§ Sir E. GREYYes, Sir. I am inquiring into all the points, because I am well aware of the deep interest taken in the case in the country, and I am very anxious as soon as I can to give the House the information it desires.
§ Mr. MORRELLIn the event of there being no appeal, will the right hon. Gentleman make representations that the sentence shall not be carried out pending the communication he is expecting from the Russian Government?
§ Sir E. GREYReally, if I am to do what is most effective in this case, I must be allowed to have a certain discretion. If I pledge myself upon particular points it may give the impression that I am only attending to these points. I want to secure that there shall be every opportunity for having the case fully considered after we have got the report, and that nothing irreparable shall happen in the interval.