§ 41. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Madame Marie Edvige de Popowitch, who went to Malta in November, 1915, to aid refugees, is a Serbian lady of a well-known wealthy family, that she came to England in 1916 under promise from the Governor of Malta that she should be well treated, provided with funds, and lodged in a good hotel, but on arrival she was taken to Scotland Yard, then to Holloway Prison, and subsequently interned at Aylesbury, that she was not allowed to communicate with her friends nor consult a lawyer, that she declares that she was vilified by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, that Madame Popowitch has suffered in eyesight and teeth and was not allowed to see oculist or dentist, and that her mental balance after two years of inexplicable persecutions and privations has given way, and she is now insane; and whether he will consider the release of this woman, who has never been charged with any crime?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)This woman went to Malta not to aid refugees, but as a German agent. She was arrested, and sent to England in December, 1915, and was interned here under Defence of the Realm Regulation 14b. She made representations to the Advisory Committee, and was heard by them in person, and the order for her internment was confirmed on their recommendation.
I have no knowledge as to whether her family is well known or wealthy, or as to the promises alleged to have been given by the Governor of Malta. She was not prevented from communicating with friends or consulting a lawyer, and there is no foundation for her alleged statement with regard to the Assistant-Commissioner of Police. She received all necessary medical attention during her internment. She is now in an asylum and, apart from her present insanity, could not be set at liberty in this country during the War, as she was a very dangerous enemy agent.
§ Mr. KINGAs this woman was so notoriously a criminal, why was she not brought before a Court of law and given amps; fair trial?
§ Mr. BRACEShe was heard by the Advisory Committee, which is the authority 211 set up, and that Committee was presided over by a very learned and distinguished judge.
§ Mr. KINGDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that it is one thing to be heard in camera without the assistance of a lawyer, and another thing to have a fair legal trial in a court of law?