HC Deb 11 March 1925 vol 181 cc1295-6
10. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make official representation to the American Ambassador, in compliance with the invitation given by him last year, with the view to securing some reparation for Mrs. Stan Harding, who suffered imprisonment under sentence of death in Russia, with consequent shattered health and constitution, on a false charge of espionage made against her by a self-confessed agent of the American secret service?

Mr. McNEILL

I have nothing to add to the reply given by the late Prime Minister to a similar question put on the 21st July, 1924.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Is it not a fact that the late Ambassador, Mr. Kellogg, knew all about this case and was favourably inclined in regard to it; and as Mr. Kellogg is now a Secretary of State in America might it not be very properly brought forward again through the present Ambassador?

Mr. McNEILL

If the hon. Member examines the history of this case, I think he will discover that I am quite as familiar with all the facts as he is himself.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

That being so, will the right hon. Gentleman push it forward?

Mr. McNEILL

Certainly not.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

What is the reason for the hostility of the Foreign Office towards making representations?

Mr. McNEILL

There is no hostility whatever; there is no ease to make.