HC Deb 15 December 1948 vol 459 cc1202-3
41. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has protested against the kidnapping of Mr. Whalley, a British civilian, who was carried across the Yugoslav frontier and imprisoned for six weeks, during 40 days of which he was kept in solitary confinement in a small cell suffering from starvation and cold, while no charge whatever was brought against him.

Mr. Bevin

In view of a report which I have just received from the Allied Military Government authorities in Trieste on this subject, I have asked His Majesty's Ambassador in Belgrade to address a note of protest to the Yugoslav Government about the duration of Mr. Whalley's captivity without any charge being brought, and also about the fact that no British representative was informed at the time of his arrest nor was Mr. Whalley allowed to communicate with anyone. The protest is being made on the grounds that the action of the Yugoslav authorities was contrary to the usual procedure in such cases.

Professor Savory

Has the right hon. Gentleman also brought to the attention of the Government that this unfortunate man was starved and, further, that he says he was almost crazy, being shut up in Ljubljana prison, absolutely innocent, without any charge being brought against him?

Mr. Gallacher

The same thing in Ulster.

Mr. Bevin

I have not protested against his arrest. I want to make that clear to the House. My information is that he ignored warnings and entered without a permit. What I protested against was his detention, their failure to notify us and their failure to treat him properly.

Captain John Crowder

Will the Foreign Secretary make it clear that he expects foreign Governments to carry out the requests which are set out over his own signature on all British passports?

Mr. Bevin

I expect it. I expect lots of things but I do not always get them.

Mr. Warbey

Do the reports available to my right hon. Friend bear out the allegations contained in the Question regarding solitary confinement in a small cell suffering from starvation and cold"?

Mr. Bevin

I have not the report before me. I would like notice of that question.

Professor Savory

It is his own statement; that is what he said.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean that the British subject in question has actually been detained in these circumstances for a period of six weeks without any protest having been made?

Mr. Bevin

We protested as soon as we got the facts.