§ 7. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received precise information regarding the charge of having committed acts in preparation for high treason preferred against Mr. Geoffrey Fraser, a British subject, who was arrested in Berlin on 4th April; how long Mr. Fraser was in prison before this charge was formulated; whether he has been subjected to any interrogation and, if so, for how long a period; whether the British Ambassador or any representative of the British Embassy at Berlin has been able to have access to Mr. Fraser; whether he has any information as to how Mr. Fraser has been treated since his arrest and what is his present condition of health; when Mr. Fraser is expected to be put on trial and before what tribunal; and what steps the Government is taking to assist Mr. Fraser in his defence?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe German Ministry for Foreign Affairs has informed His Majesty's Ambassador that Mr. Fraser was arrested on 4th April because he had in his possession Communist documents including matter relating to subversive propaganda and untrue statements regarding atrocities in Germany. He was further suspected of the intention of spreading these untrue reports 2557 amongst the German Army and police. The charge against Mr. Fraser was formulated against him on the 7th of April, but the final indictment has not yet been drawn up.
Mr. Fraser was subjected to the usual police examination. His Majesty's Consul had already applied some days ago for permission to visit him, and arrangements have been made for this visit to take place to-morrow. I understand that Mr. Fraser has received every consideration at the hands of the police and is reported to be in good health. I have not yet been informed when the trial is likely to take place, nor before what tribunal. In reply to the last part of the question, I would prefer to await further reports from His Majesty's Ambassador especially as to the precise indictment and the report of the Consul's visit, before making any statement on this point.
§ Sir J. SIMONI have no reason to suppose that he will not get a fair trial. I do not know of any precedent to suggest the contrary.
§ Mr. GEOFFREY PETOCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why the Labour party are so much opposed to the protection of British subjects in Russia and so anxious to protect them in Germany?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Minister cannot answer a question like that.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre not these fantastic charges against Mr. Fraser charges which could equally be raised against every one of our Press correspondents in Berlin? In that case, will the Government make special efforts to see that the dissemination of a lying statement does not take its place besides the well-known phrase "Shot while attempting to escape"?
§ Mr. LOVAT-FRASERIs there any reason to believe that Fraser is not the real name of the gentleman in question?