17. Lieut.-Colonel MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Messrs. Albert Inkpin and Deer, delegates of the British Socialist party, proceeded to France on 24th February to attend the conference at Strasbourg; whether their 612 passports were endorsed by the British Foreign Office, who were aware of the business for which they were proceeding; whether on arrival at Boulogne they were detained by the French authorities and their property confiscated; whether he has made inquiries of the French authorities to ascertain the reasons for this action; and if ho can give the House an assurance that on future occasions British subjects will not be subjected to similar treatment by our late Allies?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI understand that these gentlemen were detained for a short time at Boulogne by the French authorities, and were then permitted to continue their journey to Strasbourg with all their luggage. In these circumstances I do not consider that any special inquiries are called for.
Lieut.-Colonel MALONEIs it usual for British subjects to be detained by the French authorities when entering their country? [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not? "]
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIt is not usual for all British subjects to be so detained.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs it not because these two men have repudiated their nationality altogether, and why should we interfere?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODI am not aware of any repudiation of their nationaltiy by these two men. They are legally British subjects.