§ 48. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister the date upon which Sir George 458 Albu obtained his naturalisation papers; what was his nationality prior to that date; whether he is acting as Consul to various countries; if so, to what countries; on what date he received his baronetcy; what was the nature of the public services for which this distinction was conferred; whether he is aware that, subsequent to his British naturalisation, he received at the hands of the German Kaiser an important German decoration; and whether it is at the pleasure of His Majesty's Government that recipients of British honours should retain or display simultaneously the honours conferred by our enemy?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWSir George Albu was granted a certificate of naturalisation in this country on the 23rd November, 1911, and took the Oath of Allegiance on 23rd December, 1911, but he previously obtained local naturalisation as a British subject in the Transvaal in 1887. His original nationality was German, as he was born in Berlin of German parents, but he may have lost his German nationality under German law by long absence from Germany or as a result of his naturalisation in the Transvaal. I am informed that the only Consular appointment held by Sir George Albu is that of Consul of Denmark at Johannesburg, in respect of which he was granted an exequatur on 30th March, 1913. He was made a baronet in 1912. I have no information regarding the allegation that he holds a decoration, and there is no record of his having been granted His Majesty's licence to wear any such decoration.
§ Mr. BILLINGWhat was the particular public service for which he was made a baronet? Is it not the fact that he gave £10,000 to the Liberal party funds?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think that I am likely to be aware of that.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of any other reason?
§ General CROFTDoes not that point to the desirability of explaining the reasons why titles are granted?