HC Deb 15 July 1919 vol 118 c206
52. Mr. SPOOR

asked the Prime Minister whether he received a telegram which was dispatched to Paris and Downing Street from the British Labour Party Conference at Southport protesting against the action of the British authorities in preventing two fraternal delegates from the French Socialist Party travelling to South- port to attend the Conference, and asking for an explanation; and, if so, can he state the reason why no reply or acknowledgement of any kind has been made to this telegram?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Telegrams were sent to both the Prime Minister and myself, but were not received until after the gentlemen referred to had returned to Paris.

Mr. WIGNALL

Why, if the telegram was received late and so many people were waiting for a reply and are still waiting, was no reply sent?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The delay was one of those delays which occur frequently at present. I was going to Paris myself the morning after the telegram was sent. One of the gentlemen referred to spoke to me about it, and I told him I had not received the message, and he was already on his way back to Paris.