HC Deb 29 July 1937 vol 326 cc3296-7
36. Major Milner

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Dave Yaskiel, a German-Jewish refugee, married to an Englishwoman and living in this country for some years, was recently arrested and kept in Brixton Prison for six weeks without trial; on whose authority this action was taken and on what grounds; why Yaskiel has been threatened with deportation to Germany contrary to the treaty concerning German refugees, dated 4th July, 1936, and signed by this country; and what further action, if any, is proposed to be taken?

Sir S. Hoare

This man was arrested on 19th April, in pursuance of a deportation order made against him by my predecessor, with a view to arrangements being made for his deportation to Germany. His detention in custody was prolonged because he was required to give evidence in a criminal trial which was pending, and the German authorities declined, without inquiry in Germany, to issue him a new passport in place of the German passport with which he had entered the country and which he alleged he had lost. Yaskiel was instructed to leave the country on 11th January by my predecessor after very careful con- sideration of his case, and the deportation order was only made when it became apparent that he had no intention of complying with these instructions. The deportation order was made with due regard to the terms of the Provisional Arrangement concerning the Status of Refugees from Germany as ratified by His Majesty's Government. The question of passport facilities has been taken up with the German Government by the Foreign Office, and the question of his deportation is meanwhile suspended.

Major Milner

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why this man was kept for six weeks without trial? Surely that is not the usual procedure in this country, whatever it may be in others. Is it not a fact that the German authorities will not accept him, or, if they do, very serious consequences will ensue, and because he is a Stateless person is he not entitled to every consideration from His Majesty's Government?

Sir S. Hoare

We are acting in strict accordance with the agreement arranged at the instigation of the Refugees Department of the League of Nations. As I have told the hon. and gallant Member, for the time being the question of deportation is in suspense. I am ready to discuss with the hon. and gallant Member the details of the case, and to take no action until I have had time to do that.

Major Milner

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman.