§ 3. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the circumstances under which Mr. J. Martin lost his eyesight in Russia; whether he was charged with any offence by the Soviet Government and, if so, with what offence; whether any application for compensation has been made on his behalf to the Soviet Government by His Majesty's Government; and whether he has received any compensation or help from His Majesty's Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINMr. Martin stated in 1923 that he had become practically blind as a result of an attack of spotted typhus fever contracted during his imprisonment in Moscow in 1919–1920. So far as I am aware, Mr. Martin was not charged with any offence at the time of his arrest or during the term of his imprisonment. In reply to the representations made by His Majesty's Government on Mr. Martin's behalf in 1923 the Soviet Government stated that he had been arrested as a suspicious foreigner at a time when intervention in the internal affairs of Soviet Russia was still being carried on by a number of States. In answer to the third point, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Barnstaple (Mr. B. Peto) on the 30th June. Mr. Martin has not received any compensation or financial assistance from His Majesty's Government.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf the Government have been unable to get compensation for this very sad case, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider the case one in which the Government should give Mr. Martin something to go on with in the way of financial assistance?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThere is a great number of cases outstanding for which we should like compensation from the Soviet Government, when the time comes that we may profitably resume negotiations.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYBut does not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is an exception? The man has lost his sight and cannot earn a livelihood?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir; I really cannot make exceptions in favour of particular subjects.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs it not the case that the reason for the blindness was fever, due almost entirely to our stopping preventives and medicines going into Russia at the time of the blockade?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir. I think there is no foundation for that statement.
§ Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSONIs it not true that this man was tied to his bed and flung among dead bodies in prison, and that is the sole reason why he lost his sight?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI must have notice of that question. I cannot carry the details in my head.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that the blockade was in operation at the time that this man was arrested?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it in order, Mr. Speaker, for an hon. and gallant Gentleman to make a statement such as we have just heard without definite proof being submitted?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI am afraid many statements of the kind are made by hon. Members.