2. Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has now received a report of the trial of a corporal of the Portuguese Army for the murder of the Rev. A. J. Douglas on 1962 Lake Nyassa; if His Majesty's Government were represented at the trial; if there were any provocative or extenuating circumstances justifying the sentence; and whether the Portuguese Government have offered, or have been asked, to pay adequate compensation to the relatives of the victim?
§ Sir E. GREYA report of the trial has just been received and is now under consideration. I have repeatedly informed the hon. Member that His Majesty's Government were represented at the trial. The Court in giving judgment referred to the circumstances which preceded the death of Mr. Douglas, and took these circumstances into consideration in deciding the sentence to be passed. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I cannot make a fuller statement until the report has been considered in detail.
§ Mr. STANIERIs there any warrant for the use of force by these Portuguese officials; can the right hon. Gentleman give us an official explanation?
§ Sir E. GREYI have said that I cannot make a fuller statement till the report has been considered in detail. It has just been received; I have not even seen it yet.
§ Sir E. GREYIt must be considered first; it must be seen before a promise can be made. I have no reason to suppose that it cannot be laid. But I must see it and consider it with the Colonial Office.