HC Deb 02 May 1934 vol 289 cc292-3
3. Mr. VYVYAN ADAMS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the case of Walter Spielmann, a British national, who has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment for making a remark in Germany derogatory to the Nazi Government; and whether he is prepared to make representations suggesting Spielmann's deportation to Great Britain?

Sir J. SIMON

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 5th February last to my hon. Friend the Member for Morpeth (Mr. G. Nicholson).

Mr. ADAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man's alleged offence consisted of saying in a barber's shop : "If you want the truth, you must read the British newspapers"?

Sir J. SIMON

My hon. Friend will know the previous answer, and he will be the last person to wish by a supplementary question to create a false impression. The answer given was that this gentleman possesses German nationality.

Vice-Admiral TAYLOR

Would not such action be an unwarrantable interference in the affairs of another nation?

Mr. ADAMS

Is it not the case that this man possesses British nationality as well?

Sir J. SIMON

I think that is the case.