HC Deb 30 June 1924 vol 175 cc915-6
25. Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when Mr. Cummins is expected to arrive in this country; and whether he has any information as to what has happened in the case of Mrs. Evans?

26. Mr. STRANGER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present situation of Mrs. H. E. R. Evans, last reported as with her servant, defending themselves against attack by irregulars at her hacienda in Mexico; whether the assistance promised by the Mexican Minister of War has been sent to her relief; and whether any and what steps are being taken to obtain compensation for the loss of, and injury to, her property?

35. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any further assurances to the House concerning the safety of Mrs. Evans, a British subject in Mexico?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am unaware of the precise date of Mr. Cummins' arrival here, but he is on his way home. I am still awaiting information with regard to Mrs. Evans. One of the officials of His Majesty's Legation at Mexico City has been instructed to proceed to her farm to report on the situation there. The case of Mrs. Evans will be considered when I am in possession of all the facts.

Mr. STRANGER

What is the last news the right hon. Gentleman had from Mrs. Evans?

The PRIME MINISTER

I communicated to the House the last news I had.

Sir W. DAVISON

Are any units of the British Navy in the vicinity for the protection of British interests?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is very difficult to get units of the British fleet in the neighbourhood of Mexico City.

Captain BERKELEY

Has the right hon. Gentleman decided when the Hohler Mission is to start For Mexico?

The PRIME MINISTER

Obviously the Mission cannot start until we get a report from Mr. Cummins and know exactly what has happened.

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement made by Dr. Dillon in yesterday's Press, which throws a considerable amount of fresh light upon this question?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, I have not seen these statements; but I can assure the House that if they are in any way in conflict with the statements I have made regarding what the Foreign Office has done they are not accurate.

Mr. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are hundreds of Nationalists interned in Northern Ireland, and has he taken any similar steps to protect their interests?