4. Mr. F. HALL (Dulwich)asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he can state what steps have been taken through the Embassies representing Great Britain in Berlin and Vienna to ensure the protection of British subjects remaining in Germany and Austria; and if the steps taken by the German and Austrian Governments in the matter correspond with the action taken in this country in regard to German and Austrian subjects?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland)Since the outbreak of war with Germany and Austria the interests and protection of British subjects in those countries have been entrusted generally to the United States Diplomatic and Consular Officers. Special enquiries as to the treatment of individuals or groups of British subjects in Germany and Austria are forwarded to the United States Ambassador in London for whatever action may be possible by the United States authorities abroad.
No details have been received from the United States Ambassador as to the measures which have been adopted either by the United States or by the German and Austrian authorities for the protection of British subjects, and I think it is obvious that we cannot, for the moment, expect to receive a full report on these measures, in view of the overwhelming quantity of work which has fallen upon the United States Embassies in the belligerent countries.
Mr. HALLDoes the hon. Gentleman not recognise the importance of this matter, and will he communicate with the American Ambassador to see if he can get any satisfactory answer to the question?
§ Mr. ACLANDThis and kindred matters have given me a very great many hours work during the last three or four weeks, and I do most fully recognise the importance of the subject, but I do not quite see my way to pressing the United States to give us detailed answers with regard to every case on which they have made representations to the German or Austrian authorities.