HC Deb 29 April 1952 vol 499 cc1226-8
Mr. David Logan

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that 13 members of the White Star liner "Britannic" were arrested on 17th March at Naples and have not yet been brought to trial; and in view of the distress caused to their wives and mothers, who had been to see him, would the Secretary of State make representations to the Italian Government to take action and expedite trial of the men.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Eden)

Yes, Sir. Thirteen members of the crew of the s.s. "Britannic" were arrested at Naples on 17th March and charged with assault and injury to the police. The men were interrogated on 21st March, and Her Majesty's Consul-General immediately arranged for their defence. The Consul and Vice-Consul have visited the prisoners on several occasions, and the lawyer engaged for the defence has also visited them. Her Majesty's Consul-General has made every effort to expedite their trial. The reason for the delay has been the slow recovery in hospital of a policeman who was seriously injured in the incident and who is the principal witness for the prosecution. Under Italian procedure, the presence in court of this witness is essential. Although the efforts of Her Majesty's Consul-General to induce the Italian authorities to waive this requirement have so far failed, I am informed that the charge has now been reduced to one of assault without injury. [Laughter.] That shows that the diplomacy has been quite effective. Meanwhile, Her Majesty's Embassy at Rome were instructed on 22nd April to make representations to the Italian authorities to expedite the trial. I am taking steps to hasten the reply to these representations.

Mr. Logan

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I call his attention to the fact that the mothers and wives of these men are very respectable people, whom I have seen, and that their money from the men's pay has been stopped. Would he kindly confer with the authorities in Liverpool and notify them, so that proper provision is made for the mothers and wives during the incarceration of the men?

Mr. Eden

I will certainly pass on that representation.

Captain Robert Ryder

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there have been other cases of prolonged delay in bringing our people to trial before Italian courts? They include one of my constituents, who was in prison for more than six months before being brought to trial. Would my right hon. Friend bear that point in mind?

Mr. Eden

Yes, Sir. I am obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend. There have been such cases in the past. I am taking steps to ask our consular authorities to keep me fully informed of these developments when they occur.

Mrs. E. M. Braddock

While it is appreciated that the 13 men are receiving assistance from their union and the British Consul, so far as the trial is concerned, and that the incidents occurred at a place far distant from where the men were actually arrested, may I ask whether the Foreign Secretary will continue to put pressure, as far as he can, upon the Italian authorities to agree that it would be in the interests of everybody concerned if the trial took place as soon as possible?

Mr. Eden

In fairness, I ought to tell the House that from the only newspaper report—a British one—that I have been able to get, it appears that these sailors were presenting a musical entertainment in a main street with guitar and mandolin. It appears that the Italians were critical of the music; so that, in due course, 60 police arrived. Her Majesty's Consul-General is now engaged in the necessary diplomatic activities.

Mr. Logan

May I call the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the fact that the date was 17th March?

Mr. Hector Hughes

Having regard to the undue delay in bringing these men to trial, will the Foreign Secretary do his best to see that the men are admitted to bail pending trial?

Mr. Eden

We are really taking all the action we possibly can in what are rather unusual circumstances.