§ 3 and 4. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware that, on 17th December last, at Lobito Bay, an officer of the British merchant marine, named Brewer, was arrested by local native officials without any warrant, assaulted by the Portuguese postmaster, and kept four and a half months without trial, during which he has been suffering from malaria; and what steps has His Majesty's Government taken in the matter;
(2) whether His Majesty's Government possesses a full-time Consul at Loanda; and whether he will favourably consider instructing this Consul to render all possible assistance to the British merchant marine officer, named Brewer, who has been arrested without warrant or trial at Lobito Bay, in Portuguese West Africa?
§ Sir A CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Consul-General at Loanda, a full-time salaried officer, was at Lobito when Mr. Brewer was arrested, and he immediately reported to me. He at once took all steps possible to secure Mr. Brewer's comfort during his detention, and I understand that Mr. Brewer has no complaint as regards his accommodation. His Majesty's Government are watching the case carefully and have instructed His Majesty's Consul-General to attend the trial when it takes place and meanwhile to take any opportunity 503 which offers to expedite a hearing, if he can do so without prejudice to the interests of the accused.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs it true that this man was kept for four and a half months without trial; and, if not, has the right hon. Gentleman made any representations to the Government concerned in the matter?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIf it was not true, I do not see on what ground representations could be made. I have told the House that the Consul-General has been asked to take any opportunity to expedite the trial if he can do so without injury to the interests of the accused.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas the right hon. Gentleman made any representations on the matter to the Portuguese Minister in London? Does he not consider it very important to see that a British seaman is not treated in this way in a Portuguese Colony?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, I have made no representations to the Ambassador. I should have done so if I had thought that it would serve the course of justice or the protection of the citizen.