§ 49. Mr. Stokesasked the Attorney-General whether the documents relating to the trials of Tyler Kent, Anna Wolhoff and Mrs. Nicholson, on which much publicity has been made in America, can now be made public in this country.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Hartley Shawcross)The documents, including the transcript of the evidence, in these cases are the subject of an Order of the High Court under Section 6 of the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, prohibiting the disclosure of information with respect to the proceedings, and I have no authority to order their production.
§ Mr. StokesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that it is widely stated in America that these documents consisted very considerably of telegrams sent before the war by a high person in this country to President Roosevelt behind the back of the British Government? If that is so, why should not the House be told the contents of the telegrams?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am afraid I have no authority in the matter.
§ Mr. PrittWould my right hon. and learned Friend consider making application to the High Court to have the order put aside?
§ The Attorney-GeneralOn the information I have at present, I do not think it would be in the public interest to make any such application, but I will consider any representations which my hon. and learned Friend cares to put before me in regard to it.