HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 c1686
Mr. Parker

by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why no assistance has been given to Mr. George Dace, a British subject honoured by Lord Montgomery for his help to the Allied Forces, who was condemned to death on Saturday, 20th July, at Dijon for alleged assistance to the Nazis during the German occupation.

Mr. Noel-Baker

His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris satisfied himself that Mr. Dace was provided with legal aid, and that he had adequate opportunity to prepare and conduct his defence. Until Mr. Dace has exhausted his legal remedies, His Majesty's Ambassador cannot properly take any other steps on his behalf, and the question of diplomatic intervention does not, therefore, arise. The Ambassador, however, has been instructed to watch the case very closely. Mr. Dace has a right of appeal, and I think my hon. Friend may be assured that he will exercise this right.

Mr. Parker

How is it then, that despite the relatives' request to the British Consul to intervene to provide assistance to Mr. Dace, no action was taken by the British Consul?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I think that we have done everything we properly could, under the customs of international relationship.