§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the manifesto drawn up by Prince Carol of Rumania, now in this country, and printed in London, calling upon the people of Rumania to oust King Michael and recall Prince Carol to the Throne; and whether he does not consider this action a breach of the comity of nations which would justify him in requesting Prince Carol to leave this country forthwith?
Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEI would like to ask you, Mr. Speaker, why this question was ruled out of order yesterday and has been permitted to be answered to-day?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think that I had a question submitted to me yesterday on this subject.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think I saw them.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; and, after consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, I have caused Prince Carol to be informed that his presence in this country is no longer welcome, and that he should terminate his visit without delay.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if, when the right hon. Gentleman gave permission for Prince Carol to visit this country, he invited assurances from him as to his conduct—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat is the subject of a further question.
§ Mr. E. BROWN(by Private Notice) asked the Home Secretary whether Prince Carol of Rumania was granted a permit to reside in this country, and, if so, when it expires?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSPrince Carol was allowed to land on the 28th April last for a temporary visit of two months.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I put my question to the Home Secretary—I had no idea that my hon. Friend the Member for Leith (Mr. E. Brown) was going to ask this question—as to whether, when permission was given by the Home Secretary for Prince Carol to land, assurances were invited from him that he would not engage in any intrigues or political activities in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, Sir.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhy not?
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the Home Secretary in a position to say whether there is any foundation in fact for the statement in the "Morning Post" and other papers to-day to the effect that this so-called Rumanian plot is really only a stunt organised by certain newspapers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI can only say that I have received an intimation from Prince Carol, who was served early this morning with my request to leave, that he is writing to me on the whole subject. I cannot say any more.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAMay I ask whether Prince Carol had a passport in the ordinary way, or whether some special arrangement was made in his case?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI must have notice of that question.
§ Miss WILKINSONWith reference to the reply which the Home Secretary has given to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), may I ask why the Home Secretary treats royalty differently in this matter of propaganda from ordinary citizens?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is quite obvious from the action which I have taken that I make no distinction.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the Foreign Secretary going to make any statement upon this matter covering the application made by Prince Carol to visit this country, if he made any such application; and may I also ask whether the activities of Prince Carol were watched while he was in this country to see whether this plot was actually being carried out?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am not in a position to make any further statement to-day. I have made a communication to Prince Carol, and he has promised that I shall have a full statement from him. I shall probably receive it in the course of to-day or by to-morrow morning's post, and I can say nothing further in the meantime.
§ Mr. MACLEANIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to take up this question with the Foreign Secretary to find out anything in regard to the matter which I have raised?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe Foreign Secretary and I are in very close touch with one another in regard to the whole matter.
§ Mr. STEPHENAre we to understand that the Home Secretary may reconsider his decision if Prince Carol's letter is satisfactory?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is purely a hypothetical question, and it is quite impossible for me to answer it.
§ Mr. HARDIESince it has been found necessary to take these steps with regard to the gentleman who is asked to retire from this country, did it not 178 come into the right hon. Gentleman's purview whether he had a passport when he came into the country, and was it an ordinary passport?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have already explained that a visa or permission was given to this gentleman to come into the country. As to the exact nature of the passport, I cannot say, because I have not seen it.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat are the reasons for sending him out of the country?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs it not perfectly clear that whatever Prince Carol was doing, he was not doing anything that concerned this country and was not intriguing against this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThat is not the point. The point is that Prince Carol is not a British subject. He has come here to enjoy our hospitality, and he must do nothing while he is here which might involve us in trouble abroad.