§ 36. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the disclosure of the recent activities of Colonel Lopez against the interests of this country, he proposes to revoke the certificate of naturalisation granted to him?
§ Sir J. SIMONI made immediate inquiries on hearing the Foreign Secretary's statement on Monday, and I am informed that this man is a British subject by birth. No question of revoking any certificate of naturalisation therefore arises.
§ Mr. HENDERSONIn view of the serious position which might have arisen as a result of the accusations that this country was supplying dum-dum bullets and ammunition to Abyssinia, is it not possible to check the activities of this man?
§ Sir J. SIMONThe police will do everything they can in that direction. I need hardly say that they will do their best.
§ Mr. SHINWELLWere inquiries made as to the people who employed this man?
§ Sir J. SIMONI cannot answer that question, which is entirely different from the question on the Paper, with any assurance without notice, but I think the hon. Member may take it that careful inquiries have been made.
§ Mr. HENDERSONDo the police know where this man is?
§ 74. Sir JOHN WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Attorney-General whether it is the intention of the Government to prosecute the self-styled Colonel Lopez for high treason?
§ The ATTORNEY - GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on Monday, 18th May, to which I have nothing to add.
Mr. GALLAGHERIs the Attorney-General making any attempt to find out what connection there is between Colonel Lopez and the sabotage which took place at the dockyards; and is there any intention of reinstating the shop stewards who were dismissed without any proof of any kind against them?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALIf the hon. Member has any information with regard to any connection between the gentleman in question and the events to which he has referred, I shall be glad to receive it.
§ 75. Mr. A. HENDERSONasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the report of the Director of Public Prosecutions that the subversive activities of Colonel Lopez do not form a satisfactory basis for a prosecution for an indictable offence, legislation will be introduced with the object of constituting such activities an indictable offence?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI am considering this matter in all its aspects, but am unable at present to make any statement.
§ Mr. HENDERSONIn view of the fact that the law is apparently unable to cover a case of this description, and that it is leading to a great deal of uneasiness in 1356 the minds of many people, more especially having regard to the cynical comments with which the Italian Press have received the statement of the Foreign Secretary, will the Attorney-General bear these facts in mind?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI have already stated that all aspects of the matter are being considered, and if the hon. Member has any suggestions which he would like to be considered in regard to legislation, I shall certainly consider them.
§ 85. Mr. COCKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the relations of Colonel Mezler with officials of the Italian Embassy, he will demand an apology from Signor Mussolini or, alternatively, sever diplomatic relations with the Italian Government?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Viscount Cranborne)I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on Monday last.
§ Mr. COCKSIs the Noble Lord aware that the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman is being ridiculed in the Italian Government-controlled Press, and is there no limit to the insults we are to receive from this foreign Power?
§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERWill the Under-Secretary ask his right hon. Friend to consider what action would have been taken by the Italian Government in parallel circumstances?