§ 19. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 9 the result of the inquiries he caused to be instituted by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington with regard to the case of Mr. A. Donaldson, fireman on s.s. "Plawsworth," who went ashore without a passport while his vessel was unloading at Galveston, Texas, in September, 1927, and was kept in the county gaol without a trial for 12 months, and was subsequently released without explanation and without trial, having to work his way back to Tilbury; and whether any representations have been made by his Department to the United States Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Ambassador at Washington has received a report from His Majesty's Consul at Galveston who states that Donaldson's story is devoid of foundation, that there is no record either at the Customs house or at His Majesty's Consulate at Galveston of the arrival of the steamship "Plawsworth," on which ship Donaldson alleged that he was serving, at Galveston or neighbouring ports during 1927, and that Donaldson's name does not appear in the files of the Immigration Department, gaol or police authorities at Galveston or Houston. Further, I have ascertained from the Registrar-General of Shipping that a man called Andrew Donaldson signed on as fireman on the 4th July, 1927, on the steamship "Plawsworth," which was then engaged in the home trade. On the 9th September, the day on which he alleged he was arrested at Galveston, the vessel was at Hartlepool, Durham. On the 17th September, according to the ship's papers, Donaldson failed to rejoin his vessel at West Dunston-on-Tyne.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is taking to have Mr. Donaldson certified or otherwise incarcerated, if his version of the matter is not true?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThat is not my duty. I think I have shown the hon. Gentleman that Mr. Donaldson is not suited to be a protegé of his.