HC Deb 21 December 1927 vol 212 cc378-9
3. Commander OLIVER LOCKERLAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Mr. Ethelbert William Fawcett, late British Vice-Consul at Helsingfors, Finland, was illegally arrested by the Germans in March, 1918, while acting as consular officer; that he was subsequently held as a common prisoner in Germany; and that only £59 has been paid by the Reparation Claims Department; and what further steps can be taken to compensate Mr. Fawcett?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware of the facts stated by my hon. and galland Friend. So far as the Foreign Office is concerned, however, no further payment is due to Mr. Fawcett, who received from this Department his salary and maintenance expenses during the period of his internment in Germany.

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Fawcett was nine months in prison, and under the possibility of death at any moment; whether he was not the servant of the Foreign Office; and whether he thinks that £59 is sufficient compensation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I have already told my hon. and gallant Friend that this official has had all the money due to him from the Foreign Office. The question of compensation does not come under the Foreign Office, but it is settled by another Department. I understand that my hon. and gallant Friend has already addressed a question to that Department.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

What was the total amount of the compensation?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I cannot say.

Sir F. HALL

Then he got nothing.

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