§ 10. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Ambassador in Tokio was last year in close contact with Mr. A. M. Pooley, recently condemned in Japan to imprisonment for blackmail and bribery; and whether he has called, or will call, for an explanation from the Ambassador of his relations with Mr. Pooley?
§ Sir E. GREYIt is incorrect to state that His Majesty's Ambassador at Tokio 1091 was in "close contact" with Mr. Pooley. His Excellency informed me of such steps as he had taken with regard to information that had reached him, and his action appeared to me to be quite right.
§ Mr. KINGWill not the right hon. Gentleman answer directly the last part of the question—whether he has called, or will call, for an explanation from the Ambassador?
§ Sir E. GREYCertainly I am not going to call for any explanation, because I heard at the time of the information which reached the Ambassador and what steps he had taken. This is a matter in which I understand that the man who was prosecuted has made an appeal, and it would be quite improper for me to state what information the British Ambassador may or may not have had, pending the trial.