§ 70. Viscount CURZONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet had the opportunity or has taken steps to inter view those British citizens recently re turned from Ellis Island who describe their treatment there as worse than a Bavarian prison; and whether he can make any further statement on the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo request for an interview has yet been received. As I told my Noble and gallant Friend some days ago, I should be glad to receive Mr. Mordaunt at the Foreign Office should he so desire, and any information from those British subjects who have had experience of Ellis Island would receive careful consideration.
Mr. THOMASWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries of the American representatives as to the character of this individual, and whether he was warned in advance; and will he enter into negotiations with the American Government to at least ascertain the truth, in view of the ill-founded statements which are often made?
§ Mr. McNEILLWe are making inquiries. I cannot be certain whether they include this individual case, but inquiries are being made generally.
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNCannot arrangements be made by which steamships will not take emigrants out to America, when the law of America prevents them from being landed?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat very aspect of the question is being considered.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not fair to recollect that these additional emigrants have not been invited by the United States, and are not wanted, and that the Minister in the United States who is responsible for this matter says that in the very difficult circumstances they are doing their very best?
§ Dr. CHAPPLE.Do these considerations apply to the exportation of liquor to the United States?