§ 31. Mr. MIDDLETONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mrs. Marguerite Harrison has, in the Paris edition of the "New York Herald," copies of which newspaper circulate in this country, renewed the allegation that Mrs. Stan Harding was, during her visit to Russia, in the employment of the British Intelligence Service; and whether he will cause a denial of the allegation to be communicated to the United States Government?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.
§ Mr. MIDDLETONIs it not the fact that the Foreign Minister himself has given a categorical denial to the statement that Mrs. Harding was ever employed in the Secret Service of the British Government at any time?
§ Mr. McNEILLCertainly both the Secretary of State and myself have repeatedly made that statement.
§ Sir BURTON CHADWICKIs it not the fact that the hon. Gentleman himself has undertaken, on his own platform, in 22 his own constituency, to do everything he can to obtain justice and redress for Mrs. Stan Harding?
§ Mr. McNEILLCertainly!
§ Sir B. CHADWICKIf that be so, is it not consistent with such promises that he should categorically deny this statement, which is being broadcasted in an influential American newspaper?
§ Mr. McNEILLAs I have already stated, I have repeatedly denied the statement, but that is not the matter put in the question. If one lady chooses to slander another, that is not an international question.