29. Mrs. Braddockasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why special facilities of luxury travel and food were afforded to Herr E. Wendler, ex-German Minister to Siam and his family on the "Empress of Australia"; why special instructions were issued by the Home and Foreign Offices to attempt to ensure secrecy regarding his transport; and if he is aware that deep resentment is felt by Service personnel who travelled on the same boat at the privileges extended to an ex-Nazi.
Mr. Noel-BakerAccording to my information no special facilities were afforded to the former German Minister to Siam, and no instructions were issued to keep his movements secret. On His Majesty's Troopship "Empress of Australia," it was found expedient, for reasons which my hon. Friend will readily appreciate, to keep the surrendered German personnel in separate accommodation by themselves. This may have aroused the suspicion that they were receiving preferential treatment, but, in fact, neither the former German Minister and his family, nor the remainder of the German surrendered personnel who travelled with him, were accorded special privileges of any kind.
Mrs. BraddockIs my right hon. Friend aware that that is quite contrary to the information given by people who sailed on the ship in question?
Mr. Noel-BakerI should like to assure my hon. Friend that this is official information from those who provided the accommodation and those who commanded the ship.