§ 59. Sir Charles Cayzerasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the prisoner in what is known as the Park Lane jewel robbery case, James Hynes, an American and regarded as a most dangerous criminal, was charged under the Aliens Act in 1933 and left the country but returned two months later, while in 1934 he was recommended for deportation; whether this man was deported when he was released from prison on 15th October, 1937; and how it was that he was allowed to remain in this country and commit further crimes?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir, I am aware of the facts. When this man was recommended for deportation in 1934, every effort was made to establish his nationality. He stated at the time that he was a United States citizen born in San Francisco, but inquiries made in that country entirely failed to substantiate his claim, and it was ascertained that on two previous occasions in 1913 and 1917 when under arrest in America he had asserted that he was of Russian origin, which, if true, would give him no right now to Soviet citizenship. As his nationality could not be established the question of deportation could, unfortunately, not be proceeded with.
§ Sir C. CayzerIs it the general practice of my right hon. Friend's Department to prevent the entry of aliens with known criminal records?
§ Sir S. HoareYes, Sir, that would certainly be our practice.