§ 15. Mr. Kirbyasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a case at Manchester Assizes on 19th May, when a man named Joseph Kelly was sentenced to ten years' penal servitude for stealing plans of the Government factory at Euxton, Lancashire; that during the trial it was established that Kelly had been in contact with, and assisted by, the German consul in Liverpool; and does he propose to take any action against the consul in the courts or demand his return to Germany?
§ 22. Mr. Thurtleasked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the continued presence in this country of the German consul at Liverpool who has been proved to have been acting as an intermediary of the German secret service?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is still not entirely clear to what extent the German Consul in Liverpool was himself involved in this affair; but the matter is under active consideration.
§ Mr. KirbyIs it not a fact that at the Assize Court proceedings it was stated in evidence, and not refuted on behalf of the German Consul, that he had actually put this man in touch with the secret service agents in Germany and had visa'd his passport so that he might make a journey there and get into touch with the German agents?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is a doubt as to whether it was someone in the consulate or whether it was the consul himself.
§ Mr. ThurtleIs the Prime Minister aware that the prosecuting counsel himself said that it was the German Consul who had put the man charged in touch 2273 with the German secret service, and does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the safety of this country comes before the susceptibilities of the German Government?
§ The Prime MinisterNo question of the susceptibilities of the German Government is involved at present. The hon. Member may be right in what he said was said by the prosecuting counsel, but there is still, as I have said, some doubt as to whether the consul himself is involved or not, and we must clear up that matter.
§ Mr. KirbyMay I ask the Prime Minister to pursue his investigations into this matter on account of the very definite menace to this country if this consul is doing this kind of work and is allowed to pursue it in Liverpool?
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have said, the matter is still under actual consideration.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerSince it appears to be plain that the German consulate was used for this purpose, will the Prime Minister take up the matter with the German Government and ask for the removal of the consul who was responsible?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot say what action the Government will take. We must first find out what actually happened.