HC Deb 04 March 1926 vol 192 c1611
Lieut.-Colonel A. POWNALL (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the arrest in Tunis of a young Englishman holding the King's commission and named Macnamara, who has been put into detention without trial for over a fortnight, and whether he will take the necessary steps to procure his release?

Colonel WEDGWOOD (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the extraordinary treatment of Lieutenant Macnamara by the French authorities at Gabes, in Tunisia, and, if so, what steps he proposes to take?

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

My attention had already been drawn to the case before the appearance of the correspondence in this morning's "Times." His Majesty's Consul-General at Tunis, who has been in constant communication with the French Residency-General since the facts were first brought to his notice, has been instructed by telegram to render every assistance to the accused. I am inquiring of the latter's relatives whether they wish the Consul-General to engage counsel for his defence.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman have some inquiry also made into the conduct of the Judge of first instance, who appears to have recommended this unfortunate prisoner to lead a chaste life?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I hope I may be permitted to observe discretion when an Englishman is in trouble, and has yet to come up for trial.