§ 22. Mr. Sorensenasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make respecting Messrs. Jack Whitehead and William Allen, who were arrested and imprisoned at Graz in Austria, Greater Germany; whether he is aware that they are British cameramen belonging to the Association of Cine-Technicians; with what offence they have been charged; and what action he is taking to secure their release?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir. Reports from His Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin indicate that Messrs. Whitehead and Allen are under preventive arrest at Graz and are awaiting the conclusion of an investigation by the authorities, who, it is understood, suspect them of having photographed buildings and objects of military importance. No charge has yet been 975 formulated against them, and it is assumed that if the evidence against them does not justify a formal warrant for arrest, they will be released. Meantime they have permission to communicate with their relatives, and His Majesty's Ambassador, who is watching the case closely, will continue to give to them, as British subjects, all the assistance in his power.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any further action than that which he has outlined, is the Ambassador keeping in constant touch with these men, and has he made any representations to the German authorities regarding the arrest, apparently without any charge being made, of these two British subjects?
§ Mr. ButlerI should like to reassure the hon. Member and the relatives of these men that His Majesty's Ambassador is watching the case very closely, and, of course, is using his influence to secure the release of these men or the formulation of a definite charge at the earliest possible moment.
§ Mr. ButlerI did indicate the charge.