§ 12. Sir D. Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received from the Colombian Government redress and compensation for the attack on the Reverend Samuel Heap, a missionary from Barnsley, Yorkshire, who was severely injured when the Protestant congregation at Ubate was attacked on Sunday, 12th April.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydNo, Sir. As I informed the hon. Member for Gravesend (Sir R. Acland) on 20th May, the investigation ordered by the Colombian Government is being pursued, but it was to be expected that it would be some little time before it was completed. The Colombian Government have meanwhile been made aware of our continued interest in this case, and have stated that the provincial authorities concerned have been reminded of its urgency.
§ Sir D. SavoryHas my right hon. and learned Friend reminded the Colombian Government of the intense indignation felt by all the 12 Protestant societies in this country—all represented on the United Protestant Council—against the outrage on this humble preacher of the Gospel who was attacked and escaped narrowly with his life after the doors of his chapel had been broken down by stoning? Surely something should be done to make it apparent to the Colombian Government how strongly we feel on this question?
§ Mr. LloydOur views on this matter have been conveyed to the Colombian Government. We are pursuing the matter actively. On 8th June we received a 200 communication reporting the latest representations which Her Majesty's Ambassador had made.