§ 3. Mr. Arthur Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the official charges of espionage made by the German Government against His Majesty's Government in general, and the former British Consul-General in Vienna in particular; and whether he has any statement to make in relation to such charges?
§ Mr. ButlerMy Noble Friend has seen in the German Press certain charges of a general character which he strongly repudiates. I have nothing to add to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on 26th June about the former British Consul-General in Vienna.
§ Mr. HendersonIs it not rather extraordinary that the German Government should make these statements in their official Press without making any official representations to His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. ButlerIt is very much to be regretted.
§ Sir A. SinclairAre His Majesty's Government asking the German Government to formulate the charges?
§ Mr. ButlerI am not aware whether the right hon. Gentleman is referring to the general charges or to this particular instance?
§ Sir A. SinclairTo this particular officer who has been held up to opprobrium.
§ Mr. ButlerI referred to this particular officer in my original answer, and I stated that there is no reflection on the Consul-General, whose character and work are held in the highest esteem.
§ Sir A. SinclairBut the German Government have made a reflection. Are the British Government asking the German Government to formulate their charges?