§ 12. Mr. EDEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action he has taken in the matters arising out of the shooting of Mr. Stephenson at Leningrad on 18th August, 1931; if lie has directed his attention to the fact that the sentry first struck the deceased with a clubbed rifle and then loaded and fired his rifle twice; if the effects of the deceased include the watch he was wearing; and when it is expected these effects will reach England?
§ Captain EDENAs regards the first two parts of the question, my Noble Friend realises that the testimony advanced during the trial left much to be desired, but he regrets that, in the continued absence of further first-hand evidence, a successful re-opening of the case is not possible. The Acting Consul-General at Leningrad is, however, forwarding a full translation of the post mortem report, and I shall be happy to supply the hon. Member with a copy, if he so desires. As regards the last two parts of the question, the effects of the late Mr. Stephenson, including his watch, are, as I have already informed the hon. Member privately, being forwarded by His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow, and should arrive in London during the course of this week.
§ Mr. EDEWith regard to the first two parts of the question, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman make it plain to the Consul-General that he should inform the Russian authorities that he is endeavouring to collect further first-hand information from the shipmates of the deceased officer, that further representa- 15 tions to the Russian Government may be made, and that the incident should not be regarded as closed?
§ Captain EDENOur Consul-General is kept fully informed by my Noble Friend.