HC Deb 26 June 1939 vol 349 cc11-2
16. Sir Assheton Pownall

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement with regard to the expulsion of the British Consul-General from Vienna?

Mr. Butler

The German Government have requested the withdrawal of His Majesty's Consul-General in Vienna on the ground that members of his staff had been involved last August in an affair having to do with a forbidden intelligence service.

Sir A. Pownall

Is it clear that there is no reflection whatever on Mr. Gainer?

Mr. Butler

Certainly. There is no reflection on our Consul-General, whose character and work are held in the highest regard.