HC Deb 16 March 1925 vol 181 cc1843-4
42. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOK

asked 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- ments that the facts of the case do not warrant representations on the subject to the Government of the United States.

Mr. A. SOMERVILLE

Has Mrs. Stan Harding been offered, or has she received, any compensation

Mr. McNEILL

She 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. DAVISON

Is 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. McNEILL

I think it is possible that he may have objected to the latter, but I do not think he recommended the former.

Sir A. HOLBROOK

Is 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?

Mr. McNEIL

No, Sir; I am not a student of the American Press.