HC Deb 11 February 1913 vol 48 cc677-9
2. Mr. GILL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any further information relating to the case of Mr. Moore, editor of the "Livingstone Mail"; if he can say whether he is likely to be released from prison; and, if so, when?

6. Mr. MORRELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any further information as to the trial and imprisonment of Mr. Moore in Katanga; whether the British Vice-Consul was present at the trial or on the hearing of the appeal; whether Mr. Moore had the assistance of counsel; whether the conditions of his imprisonment are satisfactory; and whether all communications between Mr. Moore and his friends in Rhodesia have now been stopped?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Edward Grey)

The acting British Vice-Consul was not present at the trial of Mr. Moore or at the hearing of the appeal. Mr. Moore was represented by counsel. The conditions of his imprisonment are reported by the Vice-Consul to be quite satisfactory and his health good. He has been permitted to communicate freely with any persons he chooses, but his correspondence is opened in accordance with official regulations. I understand that he could be released from prison if the fines were paid, and, though I reserve final opinion pending the receipt of a full report of the trial, I do not see on the information at present before me that there would be justification for the intervention of His Majesty's Government.

Mr. MORRELL

When is the report likely to be received?

Sir E. GREY

In about a fortnight.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Has the Government assured itself, by due inquiry of the Law Officers of the Crown, that this arrest was a perfectly proper one—the arrest of a British subject for an offence committed in British territory—the trial taking place and the arrest taking place under another flag and in other territory?

Sir E. GREY

I have had a report on the information before us from the legal adviser to the British Legation at Brussels, who advises that under Belgian law there was jurisdiction. I have made such inquiry as I can as to what would be the case under British law. I cannot say without all the facts before me, but it is not quite certain whether under British law also there would not have been a case for jurisdiction under similar circumstances.

Sir G. PARKER

Are we to assume, then, that if the editor of a paper in London committed a supposed libel upon a citizen of Belgium, and if he went to Belgium he could be arrested?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is getting rather far from the question on the Paper.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fate of Mr. Stokes, and will he remember that Congo prisons are not particularly healthy for those who criticise the conduct of Congo officials?

Sir E. GREY

That case occurred years ago under an entirely different regime from that which now exists. I stated I have been satisfied by telegraphic inquiry and telegraphic report of the acting Vice-Consul that the conditions in the prison are satisfactory and the prisoner's health is good.