HC Deb 05 June 1913 vol 53 cc1016-7
2. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, before acquiescing in the deportation of Mr. Adamovitz, the Egyptian Government took steps to satisfy itself that the Russian Consul was acting within his rights as the agent of a Government enjoying Capitulation privileges; whether it received a statement from the Russian Consul setting forth the reasons for which Adamovitz was deported; and whether he will communicate these reasons to the House?

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

All I know is that any action taken was upon the demand of the Russian Consul with whom the German Consul was associated, as the person in question had a German passport. As under the Capitulations a Consul can have arrested and if he pleases can remove one of his own nationals without specifying the charge, I do not see how the Egyptian Government can demand any statement from the Russian Consul.

Mr. MORRELL

Is that expressly mentioned in the Capitulations, or is it simply a usage which has grown up?

Sir E. GREY

I must see first whether I can get any official document which really sets out exactly what the Capitulations are and what the procedure is, and if I get that. I will place it in the Library.

Mr. MORRELL

Has my right hon. Friend had his attention drawn to the precedent of 1849 when the Russian Government made a precisely similar claim on Turkey with reference to Russian refugees and Turkey refused to extradite them; and in this Turkey was supported by Great Britain, and British ships were sent to the Dardanelles in support of the Turkish claim?

Sir E. GREY

I have not heard of that precedent, and I am not quite sure how far the precedent with regard to Turkey would apply to Egypt. A great deal has happened since 1849.

Mr. MORRELL

On these occasions is the Russian Consul entitled to make use of Egyptian prisons and the Egyptian police for the purpose of dealing with their own nationals?

Mr. SPEAKER

Would it not be better to give notice of these questions? The hon. Member seems to know all the facts.

Mr. MACDOLD

In the event of the right hon. Gentleman finding these Papers to which he referred in answer to my question, I suppose he will let us know?

Sir E. GREY

Certainly I will.

Mr. KING

Will the Constantinople precedent of 1849 be inquired into?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice.