HC Deb 04 May 1920 vol 128 cc1861-2
1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he knows the present whereabouts of Herr Trebitsch Lincoln; why the German Government has not arrested him; and whether representations have been made to the German Government pointing out the danger of this man being at large?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

I have no information as to where this man is now, although I understand from unofficial reports that he acted as Chief Censor for the Kapp Government during the recent revolutionary outbreak in Berlin. I cannot undertake to answer questions as to the reasons for the action of the German Government in a purely domestic matter, neither would it be proper for His Majesty's Government to make representations to them in matters of this kind.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Have we not made representations to the German Government with regard to German workers who were in revolt, and does not the hon. Gentleman know that this man is reported to be at large in the principal hotels in Berlin, and is nothing possible diplomatically to remove the danger which is thus caused?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

If this man is a danger I would rather have him in Berlin than anywhere else. It is better to leave it to the German Government to settle.

Mr. PALMER

Is it not a fact that this man has just been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am not aware of that.

35. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, on his release from Pentonville Gaol after serving a sentence of three years' penal servitude, on or about 2nd July, 1919, Herr Trebitsch Lincoln was taken to Harwich under escort for deportation; whether he was brought back and lodged in Brixton Prison and, if so, why; whether he was visited in Brixton Prison by representatives of the War Office; and whether, on or about 11th August, 1919, he was sent to Hungary?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

The answers to the first and fourth paragraphs are in the affirmative. The removal of this alien from the United Kingdom was interrupted, and he was detained for a time in Brixton Prison because of information which showed that his return to his own country at the date first proposed was undesirable. So far as I am aware he was not visited in prison by representatives of the War Office.