HC Deb 29 July 1932 vol 267 cc1782-3
2. Brigadier - General CLIFTON BROWN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information as to the result of the inquiry into the circumstances of the death of Miss Violet Sharpe in New York; and whether he can now communicate it to the House?

Mr. EDEN

I have now received a report from Mr. Shepherd, Acting British Consul-General at New York, who has made careful investigations into the circumstances of Miss Violet Sharpe's suicide, and who has been given every assistance in his inquiries by the police authorities.

Mr. Shepherd has interviewed all those members of Mr. Morrow's household, where Miss Sharpe was employed, who were in direct daily contact with Miss Sharpe or who were present for longer or shorter periods during her examinations by the police. He is satisfied that no physical violence whatever or so-called "third degree" methods were used by the police in that Miss Sharpe was not interrogated under conditions of severe physical strain induced by lack of sleep or want of food. She was, however, in common with two of her fellow employés, subjected to an intensive and searching examination, on account of certain misstatements made by her on the occasion of her earlier examination, and the fear of a further similar interrogation appears so to have affected her nerves that she took her own life.

On the information furnished me by Mr. Shepherd's above-mentioned report and having regard to all the circumstances of the case, there would appear to be no grounds which would warrant representations to the United States Government.

Mr. MORGAN JONES

Has the hon. Gentleman considered, in the light of the statement he has just made, what purports to be the last letter written by Miss Sharpe, which was published in the Press this week-end?

Mr. EDEN

No, Sir; my answer is based on the report of the Consul, who had first-hand opportunities for inquiry. He may further furnish details later, but I have no reason to suppose that they will conflict with the present statement.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Are the Foreign Office satisfied that this girl was not maltreated?

Mr. EDEN

I think my answer makes the position as to that point quite plain.