§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information that the recent trial of the captain and crew of the Hull trawler "James Johnson" for alleged illegal fishing has been quashed by the Moscow Government and a new trial ordered; and whether he will arrange for the British Trade Mission in Moscow to provide legal and other assistance at this fresh trial?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am informed that the Soviet Commissariat of Justice is now considering the cancellation of the verdict. I understand that the owners of the vessel are in touch with the legal representatives recommended by the British Agent in Moscow, who will doubtless give such further assistance as may be in his power.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the hon. Gentleman any further news of the captain and crew; is it true that they are on their way home?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe latest news I have of the crew is that arrangements are being made for them to be sent home by a ship which is at present at Murmansk, but I have no further news about the captain.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there any British representative at Murmansk or Archangel to look after these men?
§ Mr. McNEILLI should like notice of that question, but not so far as I am aware.
§ Major PAGETHave the Foreign Office made any further arrangements for the protection of these ships?
§ 43. Viscount CURZONasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the position of the officers and men of the "James Johnson"; whether he has any further information regarding the ship herself; whether the British Note to the Soviet Government has been received by them, and, if so, whether he can give the terms of the Note; and whether any time limit is attached to it for a reply?
§ Mr. McNEILLWith regard to the first and second parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the Noble Lord on the 30th ultimo, except that I understand that the crew have now been released, and will be shortly leaving Murmansk by a steamer, which is now there. With regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the Noble Lord to the reply which I have just given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy).
§ Viscount CURZONDoes the hon. Gentleman's reply in regard to the crew apply specifically to the case of the captain, and are we to understand that he is still under detention or not; and, secondly, with regard to the terms of the Note, will it be convenient if I repeat my question this day week?
§ Mr. McNEILLIf the Noble Lord will repeat his question this day week, I may be able to give him an answer. With regard to the other part of his question, the answer does not refer to the captain, who, I believe, is still under detention.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs there any possibility of coming to an arrangement with regard to the 12 and three miles limit?
§ Mr. McNEILLThat is a very large question, which has been under discussion for a very long time, and I could not take it upon myself to give an answer.