HC Deb 14 June 1937 vol 325 cc8-9
11. Mr. Duggan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House the latest information regarding the case of Messrs. Edward Anthony Ashton and J. W. Webster, two British subjects, against whom legal proceedings have been taken in Bolivia; whether they have now been provisionally liberated; and what communications on the subject have been received by the British Minister at La Paz.

Mr. Eden

While Mr. Ashton and Mr. Webster have not been provisionally liberated, I am informed that they are in reasonably good health and as comfortable as circumstances permit. They are allowed by special arrangement to receive certain daily visits apart from the two weekly visiting days. I hope to receive further information with regard to the trial within the next week. His Majesty's Minister at La Paz, in reply to his own communications, has received a number of communications from the Bolivian Government, setting forth the charges against Mr. Ashton and Mr. Webster. His Majesty's Minister is, of course, in constant touch with the accused.