38. Mr. LLEWELYN WILLIAMSasked the Attorney-General whether he has inquired into the case of the Cardiff gentleman who was ordered to leave Cardiff and the neighbourhood on 20th June, 1915, under Regulation 14 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations; whether he is aware that no charge has ever been brought against him and that no judicial or other inquiry has been made into his case; whether he is aware that he offered in October of last year to submit himself to cross-examination at the hands of any counsel nominated by the authorities and to pay the costs himself; why that offer, which is still open, has not been accepted or some other means taken to give him an opportunity of meeting any charge or dispelling any suspicion that may be felt against him; and whether, in view of the fact that he has been banished from his home and business without being charged or tried for over a year, he can see his way to advise the authorities to allow this gentleman to return to Cardiff or to try him on a specific charge?
Mr. SAMUELMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. This gentleman is the British-born son of a naturalised British subject of German, origin. He is reported to have used on several occasions language of a pro-German character, which inflamed public opinion against him, and led the local police authorities to fear a breach of the peace. An Order was made by the competent military authority requiring him to leave Cardiff and the neighbourhood. After obtaining fresh reports, and having carefully examined all the facts of the case I am clearly of opinion that it is undesirable for this gentleman, in his own interest as well as on other grounds, to-return to Cardiff at present.
Mr. WILLIAMSIs this gentleman kept away from Cardiff by the Home Office or the War Office, because I have made inquiries and was told the War Office?
Mr. SAMUELIt is through the cooperation of both Departments. The Order was made by the competent military authority on the recommendation of the local police authorities.
Mr. WILLIAMSIs there any specific charge against this gentleman as to having used language at all of a provocative character?
Mr. SAMUELNo. The case has been thoroughly examined and in our view it is clearly necessary that this gentleman should not return to Cardiff.
Mr. WILLIAMSHas this gentleman, been asked a single question either by the Home Office or the War Office?
§ Mr. G. FABERWho is this gentleman?
Mr. GlNNELLWill not the Home Secretary consider the advisability of allowing the breach of the peace which is threatened to take place and then dealing with it by law?