§ 36. Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that steps are being taken by the Government of the United States of America to revoke the re-entry permit granted to Mr. Charles Spencer Chaplin, a British citizen; and if he will make representations to that Government to allow Mr. Chaplin to re-enter the United States without let or hindrance.
§ Mr. EdenThe United States Attorney-General is reported to have instructed the United States immigration authorities to investigate whether Mr. Chaplin should be re-admitted. So far as I am aware, 195 no decision has yet been made known. The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.
§ Mr. ProctorMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in view of his undertaking on the British passport, and in view of the announcement by the American authorities, he does not think some action should be taken by him; and if he feels that this British citizen may not be victimised by preferring to remain British rather than become American? Further to that, would the right hon. Gentleman consult with his colleagues to make sure no opportunity is lost of the British film industry availing itself of the services of Mr. Chaplin?
§ Mr. EdenI think the last question goes quite a long way beyond the jurisdiction of the Foreign Secretary, and I suspect the other two do also. At the moment no action has been taken. Therefore, there cannot be any step called for by the Government.
§ Mr. BellengerWill the right hon. Gentleman do his best to encourage British citizens to remain British citizens in their own country and not to seek domicile in other nations for lengthy periods without making up their minds whether they want to renounce British citizenship?