HC Deb 27 March 1917 vol 92 c203
27. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Home Secretary what the rule is governing permission to American citizens who are convicts in this country for alleged political offences to communicate with the American Ambassador here; whether Dermod (Jeremiah) Lynch, in this position at Dartmoor last October, was refused this permission; if so, what the reason was for the refusal; and whether American citizens now political convicts at Lewes will be allowed to communicate with the American Ambassador here and with the American Government in the event of the Ambassador neglecting them?

Mr. BRACE

The rule is that alien prisoners while awaiting trial may communicate freely with the Ambassador or Minister of the country to which they belong, but after conviction they are not allowed to write to any Foreign Minister or other public authority, but must address their representations to the Secretary of State. Lynch after his conviction applied to write to the American Ambassador, and was refused in accordance with the rule. The reply to the last paragraph of the question is in the negative.

Mr. GINNELL

Will the written statement of this man be transmitted to the Ambassador if handed to the prison authorities?

Mr. BRACE

This man, like all other prisoners, will be bound by prison regulations.

Mr. GINNELL

Do the Regulations allow Lib statement to be transmitted to the American Ambassador when handed to the prison authorities?

Mr. BRACE

Will the hon. Member please put down another question?