§ 31. Lord C. BERESFORDasked the Secretary for Scotland whether a man named Van der Briele was German Consul for Glasgow before the War broke out; whether he is still doing business between Glasgow and Holland which is suspected to be partly German business; whether he is aware that there is likelihood of this man passing on important naval information through his Dutch correspondents to Germany; whether the case has been reported to the Scottish Office by the Glasgow police; and, if so, whether the Scottish Office will order his internment?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. McKinnon Wood)The person referred to was, as stated, Consul for Germany at Glasgow. His case was reported on some time ago by the Glasgow police, who saw no reason to suspect that he was assisting the enemy in any way. I understand that negotiations are in progress under which it is probable that certain German Consular officers in this country, including the officer referred to, will be exchanged against British Consular officers in Germany.