§ 11. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Home Secretary whether it was by his orders that inhibitions were placed on the movements of Colonel Ricciotti Garibaldi in this country; why he was prohibited from remaining in this country for the purpose of transacting his personal business; and why asylum was refused to this political refugee?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. This alien came to this country last January ostensibly en route to Cuba and he was held to his intention. Later he arrived here from the West and I decided that he ought not to stay in the United Kingdom. He left this country en route, I believe, to Italy. I am not aware that this alien was seeking asylum here or that he had any claim to be considered a political refugee.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs this the Colonel Garibaldi who volunteered for the Allied armies before Italy's intervention in the War, and who raised an Italian corps; and is it not extraordinary that a man bearing this name should receive such treatment here?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not concerned with the details of what this gentleman did in or during the War. All I have to say is that he came here and applied to be allowed to go through this country to Cuba. I allowed him to do so, and he came here on his way back to his own country, but he did not apply for permission to remain here.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that he was prohibited for some time, at any rate, from coming to London to transact his business, and that he was treated as a criminal in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must not say that aliens are treated as criminals. There are certain Regulations with the administration of which I am entrusted by the House. This gentleman is quite obviously an alien, and I have applied the Regulations in regard to him as I should in regard to any other person who was an alien.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this Colonel Garibaldi is not the same person who was turned out of France for Fascist activities?