HC Deb 30 June 1926 vol 197 cc1117-9
1. Mr. BASIL PETO

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that prior to May, 1923, negotiations were in progress with the Soviet Government for compensation to be paid to Mrs. Stan Harding, Mrs. Davidson, and Mr. J. Martin, and that on 8th May, 1923, compensation in the two former cases was pressed for and secured, he can state why Mr. Martin's case was not similarly pressed at that time; and what steps are being taken to secure compensation for him and other British subjects who suffered personal injury by the Soviet Government from imprisonment and otherwise?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir Austen Chamberlain)

Mr. Martin's case was taken up with the Soviet Government in September, 1922, but owing to the un- satisfactory nature of the reply His Majesty's Government did not consider that any useful purpose would be served by further representations at that time. With reference to the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the second half of the reply made to him on the 24th instant in answer to a question on the same subject.

Mr. PETO

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why it was found possible to obtain compensation from the Soviet Government in the case of Mrs. Stan. Harding and Mrs. Davidson and impossible in the case of Mr. Martin?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

My predecessor who was responsible at that time singled out two cases as being, for some reason, of special urgency, or specially easy to obtain settlement. There is not merely the case of Mr. Martin outstanding; there are a good many others.

Mr. PONSONBY

When the right hon. Gentleman mentions his predecessor, does he not mean Lord Curzon?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I mean my predecessor in September, 1922. I think it was Lord Curzon.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Are we to understand that the Foreign Office has abandoned the claims of these British citizens and that they are left to their fate?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

My hon. Friend must not understand that.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In regard to Mr. Martin, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his eyes were put out by the authorities in Russia? Has he Mr. Martin's story?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I must ask for notice of that question. I believe we have full information, but I have not refreshed my memory lately and I cannot answer without notice.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

I hope the Government will not abandon the cases of Mr. Martin and others. Will the right hon. Gentleman say what action the Government are taking in order to obtain redress?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I have said that I see no prospect of taking action at the present time with successful result. Whenever it would be possible to arrange these matters, we shall put forward this case and other cases in which we think compensation is undoubtedly due.

Mr. BECKETT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Martin stated in the Lobby that his blindness was due to lack of medical requisites, which were then being stooped by the British?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not know what passed in the Lobby.

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