§ 2. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has yet received any information 1936 as to the political prisoners in Rumania and as to their amnestying by the present Government?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONYes, Sir. The Rumanian Government have informed His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Bucharest that between 500 and 600 persons were arrested by the late Government for crimes against public security and the safety of the State. These crimes included inciting to revolt in the army and the fomentation of Communist uprisings. Between 50 and 60 persons have been released as a result of trial, but the present Rumanian Government up till now has not seen fit, to grant an amnesty in these cases.
§ Commander BELLAIRSOn a point of Order. None of these men are English subjects. Is it any concern of the British Foreign Office? Are they responsible in any way? Is the question a proper one to put down?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that, in the case of minorities, this House has some concurrent interest, owing to our responsibility to the League of Nations?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe only responsibility the Foreign Office has is that it can obtain information which it is able to give to hon. Members.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I say how much obliged I am to the right hon. Gentleman.