§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has had any communication with the German Embassy concerning the imprisonment of Mr. Panter, and if he has any statement to make?
§ Sir J. SIMONOn learning of the arrest of Mr. Panter and on the failure of His Majesty's Consul-General in Munich to obtain his release, I made vigorous representations to the German Government, both through the German Embassy here and through His Majesty's Embassy in Berlin, and pressed to know what was the charge against him. As the hon. Member is aware, Mr. Panter has now been released and has returned to this country. After Mr. Panter's release and as he was required by the German authorities to leave Germany though no charge could be formulated against him, I have been in further communication with the German Foreign Minister. Herr von Neurath informed His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin on 4th November that no order of expulsion has been made against Mr. Panter and that he is therefore free to return to Germany. No charge or other penalty lies against him.
§ Mr. McENTEEMay I ask the right lion. Gentleman whether he proposes to publish all the correspondence in this case?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. I think that when a matter has been dealt with as this matter has been, and when the German Foreign Minister has made the statement that he has made, it would be very undesirable.
§ Captain P. MACDONALDCan the right hon. Gentleman give us any assur- 34 ance that this gentleman will be allowed to continue his calling in Germany if he returns there?
§ Sir J. SIMONI have stated, in answer to the original question, the relevant information. No doubt inquiries will be made on other points by Mr. Panter himself.
§ Mr. O'CONNORCan my right hon. Friend say whether the German Government are proposing to give compensation to Mr. Panter?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSONHas my right hon. Friend any reason to think that in future British Consuls will have immediate access to British citizens when they are arrested?
§ Mr. MANDERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any assurance has been received as to the future treatment of British journalists in Germany?
§ Sir J. SIMONNo, Sir. This is the case of a particular gentleman, and, I think, in all the circumstances, it has been handled thoroughly and fairly, because we addressed a question to the German Foreign Minister, and the German Foreign Minister has removed the misapprehension by the statement that no order of expulsion has been made. I think that in those circumstances this particular matter must rest where it is.
§ Mr. MABANECan the House be told why Mr. Panter was imprisoned?
§ Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONCan he go back now and tell the truth?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINAs I understand, my right hon. Friend received an assurance from the German Foreign Minister which stated that no order of expulsion had been issued. Was Mr. Panter told that he must leave?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think that my right hon. Friend heard my original statement perhaps completely. I said, and I repeat, that after Mr. Panter's release, he was required by the German authorities to leave Germany though no charge was formulated against him. I made inquiries, and the answer I received I have just told to the House. It says: 35
No order of expulsion has been made against Mr. Panter. Herr von Neurath informed His Majesty's Ambassador in Berlin on 4th November, that no order of expulsion has been made against Mr. Panter and that he is therefore free to return to Germany.
§ That is the answer.