HC Deb 15 November 1948 vol 458 cc22-3
35. Commander Noble

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the French Government requesting them to expedite the trial or release on bail the four British subjects detained at Dieppe since 1st July and charged with smuggling; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. McNeil

Since the answer is rather long I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Commander Noble

Is the Minister aware that these men are complaining of the cold, the food, the lack of clothing and of writing materials, and will he state in his reply the limiting factor which is preventing them being granted bail?

Mr. McNeil

I am aware that the conditions are not altogether satisfactory and we are making representations. I have referred in my reply to the limiting factor affecting bail, which has been offered to only one man. The French think that the accusations are so serious that the men would not normally be offered bail.

Following is the answer:

Reports on this matter have been received from His Majesty's consular officers at Paris and Rouen and the latter has been in close touch with the Dieppe judicial authorities since the beginning of the case. The four men under detention are legally represented and while there are, as the hon. and gallant Member is no doubt aware, considerable differences between the judicial procedure of France and this country, they are receiving the same treatment as would be granted to French citizens under similar circumstances, except as regards bail, which the French authorities are most reluctant to allow in cases of aliens charged with smuggling offences. They are, however, prepared to release one of the men, Mr. C. J. Clark, on a recognizance of 200,000 francs. As regards the other three British subjects, an appeal against the Judge's refusal to allow bail has unfortunately been dismissed.

One of the principal reasons for the delay in the hearing of this case is that the French Court requires the evidence of certain persons resident in this country. A Letter of Request for the examination of these witnesses was not received until 15th September; this document did not contain sufficient details to enable the witnesses to be identified and, as a result, their addresses have only recently been ascertained. This aspect of the case will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

My right hon. Friend is very conscious of the concern that is naturally felt at the prolonged detention of these British subjects; instructions are being sent to His Majesty's Embassy in Paris to take whatever steps they may think appropriate to hasten the trial of these men.