§ 5. Colonel DAYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to state the result of the renewed representations to the French authorities regarding the imprisonment of the officers and crew of the steamer "Edith Cavell," wrecked off French Guiana on 30th November last?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)No answer has yet been received from the French Government. His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris is, therefore, being instructed to make further representations.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that through the privations caused to these men and their semi-starvation after being cast into prison, they met their death?
§ Mr. SAMUELI am fully aware of the facts. This matter was raised by the 2971 hon. Member for Frome (Mr. G. Peto) many months ago, and we have had it in hand ever since.
§ Colonel DAYDoes the hon. Gentleman not think that some satisfaction should be given if the matter has been in hand all that time?
§ Mr. SAMUELThe matter is in the hands of the French Government, and we can do no more. His Majesty's Ambassador has gone to very great trouble in raising the matter with the French Government to see what can be done.