§ 42. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will receive a deputation to place before him evidence in support of the official Soviet statement that the accusation against Mrs. Stan Harding, on which the latter was condemned, was made by a self-confessed agent of the United States military intelligence, and has been repeated by that agent over her own signature in leading American newspapers?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)No, Sir. I have already received a deputation for the purpose mentioned, and I am fully aware of the evidence referred to. It has been explained by three successive Govern- 1844 ments that the facts of the case do not warrant representations on the subject to the Government of the United States.
§ Mr. A. SOMERVILLEHas Mrs. Stan Harding been offered, or has she received, any compensation
§ Mr. McNEILLShe has already received £3,000 compensation for the injuries she suffered in Russia, but not, so far as I know, for her present alleged grievance.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it not a fact that the late American Ambassador said that it would be desirable that official representations should be made to the American Government and not unofficial representations to him as Ambassador?
§ Mr. McNEILLI think it is possible that he may have objected to the latter, but I do not think he recommended the former.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the Under-Secretary aware that statements are being repeated at the present time in the American newspapers reflecting upon the character of Mrs. Harding, who is a perfectly innocent victim of these attacks?