HC Deb 28 March 1927 vol 204 cc849-50
36. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information concerning the arrest of the master of the "Fred Cleeves" by the Spanish authorities at Melilla; if the captain is still detained; and what steps he has taken to secure his release?

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

My attention has been called to this case and I have instructed His Majesty's Consul at Malaga to take such action as he properly can to assist the master.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to let me know when he gets further information in regard to this case?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes. At present I have no information except that which I have read in the Press, but I have issued instructions to the Consul.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will write to me.

Sir WILLIAM LANE MITCHELL

Why not let the House know?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

I will communicate with the hon. and gallant Member when I am in a position to make a further statement, and then he can put down a question, and the information will be available for the House.