HC Deb 19 February 1918 vol 103 cc585-7
5. General CROFT

asked the Under secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether members of the Overseas Trust receive confidential information from the Government with regard to the sailings of ship, etc; whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on the occasion of the capture of German coal-laden steamers by the British Fleet, Mr. Kroller, a member of the Overseas Trust, gave instructions for a statement in his journal "Het Vaderland" to the effect that the British had to return these ships; whether he is aware that within three hours a telegram from Berlin arrived to precisely the same effect; and will he say what action he proposes to take?

Lord R. CECIL

The Netherlands Overseas Trust do not receive such information from His Majesty's Government as to the sailing of ships. I have no information regarding the latter part of the question.

6. General CROFT

asked the Under secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that a Mr. A. G. Kroller is a member of the Overseas Trust; and, seeing that Mr. Kroller is the proprietor of the Dutch journal "Het Vaderland," which has from time to time made attacks upon the British Empire during the War, will he say what action he proposes to take?

Lord R. CECIL

I am aware that Mr. A. G. Kroller is a member of the Netherlands Overseas Trust. If he were not he would not, as a shipowner, be bound by the rules and regulations of that body, made in agreement, with His Majesty's Government. Mr. Kroller is understood to be the proprietor of the Dutch journal mentioned, but this question is apparently based on a misapprehension of the position. The Netherlands Overseas Trust is a purely Dutch organisation which has entered into certain engagements with His Majesty's Government—engagements which have been carried out with good faith on both sides. Unless it is fairly representative of the whole Dutch commercial community it would not have the necessary authority to perform its functions.

General CROFT

Is the Government aware that Mr. Kroller, through his organ, "Het Vaderland," has again and again attacked the Allies, and especially the British Empire, and will he take note of that fact?

Lord R. CECIL

I will certainly take note of any fact my hon. and gallant Friend brings to my notice, but I think if he looks at my answer he will see that we must leave to the Dutch, to some extent at any rate, the people to whom they will entrust these important functions.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Is my Noble Friend aware that this Mr. Kroller is a partner in the firm of W. H. Muller, a German firm founded by a German and with full German connections?

Lord R. CECIL

I know he is a partner in the firm mentioned.