§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Davies)With permission, I will make a statement. On 3rd May information was received from the owners of the trawler "Etruria" that, according to information reaching them from another British trawler in the area, the vessel had been detained by a Soviet gunboat on 1st May at approximately 6.15 p.m., Greenwich time, while fishing off Sem Island. The report added that next day, about noon, the trawler was observed proceeding under escort in a westerly direction. His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow was asked to take the matter up urgently with the Soviet authorities, and I have since heard that he has made inquiries accordingly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
§ Sir Ronald CrossI would like to thank the hon. Gentleman for the statement. I appreciate that he cannot say at this moment very much on the subject, but I understand that a Question has been put down on the subject for Monday and he will perhaps then he able to add to the information.
§ Mr. DaviesYes, I will give any further information that is possible.
§ Captain RyderCan the hon. Gentleman say whether this ship was arrested inside or outside territorial waters?
§ Mr. DaviesThat, of course, is one of the facts we are trying to ascertain.