HC Deb 17 July 1939 vol 350 cc13-4
20. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further in formation regarding Miss Church and Mr. John Lennox who are in the hands of the secret police in Vienna; and whether consular officers have yet been allowed to visit Miss Church in the prison hospital?

Mr. Butler

The Acting Consul-General at. Vienna reported on 12th July that Miss Church and Mr. Lennox had been placed under judicial arrest, but he was unable to ascertain on what date warrants would be issued. The authorities concerned have explained that the delay in issuing warrants is due to the complexity of the case in which some 40 person are said to be involved. Pending the completion of the investigation and the issue of warrants, visits by consular officers have not been allowed.

Sir P. Harris

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these persons have adequate legal assistance and help, and also the help of the Consular Department, and not be left entirely without help?

Mr. Butler

The importance of these considerations has been appreciated by His Majesty's Government and representations in these terms have been sent to our Consulate.

Sir P. Harris

But have these representations been insisted upon by active steps? If no notice is taken of the representations, it is not of much use to these persons. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that they are supplied immediately with adequate help?

Mr. Butler

His Majesty's Government have done their best in this case. I have given the House the answer we have received on this matter from the German Government and the House can draw its own conclusions.

Mr. Thurtle

Will the Foreign Office take as energetic measures in this respect as they did in regard to the engineers in Russia some time ago?

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these two individuals have been allowed to communicate with their relatives since their arrest, and, if not, will he take that matter up with the German authorities?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir, I have answered a question on this subject before. I then gave the matter consideration, and gave the hon. and gallant Member the latest information in answer to his question.