§ 1. Mr. WATTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received from the Portuguese Government any definite withdrawal of the charge made against William Trayner, a British subject, representing in Lubango, Portuguese West Africa, a well-known London firm of merchants, to the effect that he had German sympathies; if not, will he say when this matter is expected to be settled; and is he aware that Trayner, who is now resident in London, is of military age and fitness, and only awaits the clearing of his name of this Portuguese imputation in order to join the military forces of the country?
§ The MINISTER of BLOCKADE (Lord Robert Cecil): His Majesty's Government are still in communication with the Portuguese Government on the subject, but no definite result has yet been arrived at. The reply to the latter portion of the question of the hon. Member is in the negative.
§ Mr. WATT: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the inability of his Department to force out of the Portuguese Government this withdrawal, is depriving the man-power of the country of this individual's service?