§ 24. Dr. Strossasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what information he has now received from the United Kingdom High Commissioners concerned, in response to the request made by the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent six weeks ago, regarding the circumstances in which Mrs. Henry, a British citizen, was deported 594 from Ceylon, and was refused permission to leave the aeroplane in India; and what representations he has made.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)I have written to the hon. Member.
§ Dr. StrossHaving received a letter from the hon. and learned Gentleman yesterday after a lapse of eight weeks, might I ask him two short questions, for the principle of the liberty of the subject is involved here? Is he aware that another woman, a United States citizen, was deported from Ceylon at the same time and that the United States Embassy came to her assistance and knew all about her departure? Also, how does it happen that a British citizen, who was being deported after a few hours' notice from a Commonwealth country, was told, so I am informed by a letter, that it was up to her friend to make all the arrangements when, in fact, that friend was held incommunicado by the police until four o'clock, which was after the aircraft had left?
§ Mr. FosterI am aware that an American citizen was deported at the same time. I am not aware that the American Embassy gave that person help. According to my information, it is not correct that Mr. Kassman was held incommunicado.
§ Dr. StrossAs there is some difference of opinion on the facts, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.