HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1085-6
Mr. G. M. Thomson

(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he is making to the South African Government concerning the case of Miss Myrna Blumberg, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies, employed in Cape Town as the correspondent of a London newspaper.

The Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)

I am asking the High Commissioner to make inquiries about this case. It is not, as far as I am aware, certain that Miss Blumberg, who was born in the Union of South Africa, is a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Mr. Thomson

Whatever the legal position of Miss Blumberg's citizenship, will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that she is a British journalist, employed on a London newspaper? Will he instruct the High Commissioner to make the strongest possible protest to the Union of South Africa Government against any attempt to gag or intimidate a British journalist in South Africa to prevent presenting an accurate picture of events?

Mr. Alport

I fully agree with the hon. Member on the importance of the accurate reporting of the circumstances there, but I think it also important that we should make certain of the position of Miss Blumberg from the point of view of nationality before we take further steps. We are making these inquiries from the High Commissioner and I hope to make a more general statement tomorrow. If there is any information available I shall try to include it in that.

Mr. Marquand

Has the hon. Gentleman noted the protest made by the Canadian Government when a Canadian journalist was arrested in this way? Does he not think that our protest ought to be at least as vigorous as that of Canada?

Mr. Alport

As I have pointed out, I think that the circumstances are not exactly the same. In the case of the Canadian journalist there was no doubt that he was, in fact, a citizen of Canada.

Mr. Gaitskell

Even supposing that Miss Blumberg is not a citizen of the United Kingdom, since she is a representative of a British newspaper would not the hon. Gentleman accept that it is the responsibility of the Government to inquire into the reasons for her arrest, indeed, to bring her every help and, I would hope, also to protest against any arrest without any charge being made against her?

Mr. Alport

In the case of an employee of a United Kingdom company serving abroad who is, in fact, a citizen of the country concerned, different circumstances arise, but I appreciate what the right hon. Member feels and means in his supplementary question. All I can say is that this will all be taken into consideration in whatever action we may take.

Mr. Gaitskell

Did I understand the hon. Gentleman to say that he would be making a statement on this matter tomorrow?

Mr. Alport

I said that I would be making a general statement in accordance with the undertakings I gave last week in regard to various matters relating to this. I will do my best to include information about this matter in that statement.