HC Deb 03 June 1913 vol 53 cc752-4
1. Mr. CHARLES PRICE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether M. Arles, member of the Russian Seamen's Union, was arrested on Egyptian territory; what was the nature of his offence; whether the Russian authorities have power to arrest on Egyptian territory; and if he purposes taking any action in the matter?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)

The person referred to appears to be identical with Adamovitz, with regard to whom I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Leicester on the 29th ultimo, and to the statement made to the House on that day.

Mr. PRICE

May I point out that the answer referred to by the hon. Gentleman was given to another question, that I had a question on the Paper before the question put by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Leicester, and I left it on the Paper in the hope that some further information might be obtained?

Mr. ACLAND

I was not aware of any request for further information, and none was put forward during last Thursday's Debate.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

I understood there had been some further information received?

Mr. ACLAND

I beg pardon; we have heard since Thursday that the escort had not arrived and that the prisoner's removal did not take place on Friday.

Mr. PRINGLE

Can the prisoner be removed without any judicial procedure?

Mr. ACLAND

I cannot add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend. It was very full and I think it covered that point.

Mr. KING

Will Lord Kitchener be asked for a report upon the matter?

Mr. ACLAND

It is because he has already been asked, and because he has given us the information that we were able to make such a full statement in the Debate last week.

Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

Can the prisoner be deported without the sanction of the Foreign Secretary?

Mr. ACLAND

Yes. If my hon. Friend will read the Debate of Thursday he will see that no sanction of the Foreign Secretary is at all necessary.

Sir J. D. REES

Is the territory of Egypt technically British territory; if not, what right has the right hon. Gentleman to interfere in the matter? [HON. MEMBERS: "Every right."]

Mr. PRICE

May I respectfully ask whether it was not because the Secretary for Foreign Affairs said that he did not know upon what charge the man was arrested that I again put down the question?

Mr. ACLAND

It is a fact that we do not know the charge upon which the arrest took place. I will communicate to my right hon. Friend the hon. Member's desire for further information on that point.