HC Deb 14 April 1920 vol 127 cc1661-2
26. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether Lord Kilmarnock has lodged a protest against the action of the Baltic troops, and especially of Lieutenant Linsenmeyer, in arresting and ill-treating the newspaper correspondents at Essen; whether an apology has been made; and what action is to be taken regarding this Lieutenant Linsenmeyer?

49. Mr. GEORGE BALFOUR

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that certain British journalists have recently been subjected to indignities and maltreatment by order of Prussian officers; and if he will say what steps the Government propose to take in the matter?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Yes, Sir; Lord Kilmarnock has, on the instructions of the Foreign Secretary, made a protest, and demanded an apology and adequate punishment of the guilty parties. The German Government have expressed their regret to Mr. Voigt direct at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Berlin, and have ordered an immediate, strict inquiry to be instituted.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it likely that the German Government can carry out disciplinary action with regard to this Lieutenant Linsenmeyer?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I should think so, certainly.