§ 23. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what reason William Trayner, a British subject, of Lubango, in Portuguese West Africa, was deported from that territory on 2nd May, 1915, without inquiry or trial; what steps were taken by the British representative there to have this man's rights maintained; whether he is aware that Trayner represented in that district a well-known London firm, who suffered loss by this action of the Portuguese Government; and whether any reparation will be offered to Trayner for loss of reputation and income?
Mr. BALFOURMr. William Trayner was expelled from Portuguese West Africa in the spring of 1915 on the ground of conduct which, at the time, appeared suspicious to the local authorities. His Majesty's Consul-General at Loanda took all such steps as he properly could to protect the interests of Mr. Trayner. The Government of Portugal contends that the action of the Portuguese Colonial Administration was justifiable on the broad ground that in abnormal times the Administration is entitled, for the safety of the State, to expel aliens who may have incurred suspicion, without waiting for them to commit overt acts. This proposition His Majesty's Government are not prepared to contest. Conditions having changed the Portuguese Government were prepared, in December, 1915, to permit Mr. Trayner to-return to the Colony, and, as a matter of 181 grace, he was offered a free passage to Angola. This offer was refused by Mr. Trayner. His Majesty's Government are still in communication with the Portuguese Government on the incidents which led to Mr. Trayner's expulsion. His Majesty's Government are aware that Mr. Trayner was the representative of a London firm.