HC Deb 08 March 1916 vol 80 cc1513-4
8. Mr. MALCOLM

asked whether any British subjects are now imprisoned in Switzerland under military law; whether Messrs. Purcell, Service, and Draycott were incarcerated for over fifty days and seventy-two days respectively; what trial did they receive, and upon what charge were they condemned; and whether any explanation of these procedings has been forwarded to His Majesty's Government from the Federal Council?

Lord R. CECIL

Messrs. Purcell, Service and Draycott were arrested by the Swiss military authorities on charges of espionage, and were kept in prison, the two first-named for over fifty days and the last-named for seventy-two days. His Majesty's Minister at Berne reports by telegraph that Messrs. Purcell and Service have been acquitted of the charge brought against them. I understand that they were tried before the Federal Tribunal. Mr. Draycott was not brought to trial. He was released owing, apparently, to the absence of evidence against him, but it was decided to expel him from Switzerland. He is, however, appealing against this decision and putting forward against the Swiss Government a demand for compensation for wrongful imprisonment. The Federal Government have agreed to make full inquiries into this case. So far as I am aware there are no other British subjects now in prison in Switzerland.

Mr. MALCOLM

Is any redress to be had from His Majesty's Government by Messrs. Purcell and Service for their fifty days' confinement?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not know quite what my hon. Friend suggests. I should imagine, if any compensation is to be paid, that it would be due from the Swiss authorities. But I would not like to express an opinion without knowing a little more about the legal aspects of the case.

Mr. MALCOLM

Will His Majesty's Government press for compensation from the Swiss authorities?

Lord R. CECIL

I should not like to pledge myself about that. I think that the practice of this Government is not to give compensation to those who are arrested and tried. But it must depend upon the circumstances of the case. I will inquire into them.