§ 26. Lieut.-Colonel Cordeauxasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the nature of the assistance, financial and otherwise, afforded by the British Embassy in Moscow to Mr. Anthony Maynard Wraight to enable him to return to this country from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on 15th December, 1959; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. R. AllanMr. Wraight called at our Embassy in Moscow on 26th November, 1959, to ask for assistance in returning to the United Kingdom. Arrangements were made for him to apply to the Soviet authorities for an exit visa. Meanwhile he was permitted, at his own request, to remain in the embassy. An exit visa was granted on 12th December and Mr. Wraight left Moscow for London by air on 14th December. The embassy advanced 2,140 roubles to Mr. Wraight to enable him to pay for his air ticket and for his maintenance while living at the embassy. This money has been repaid in full.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CordeauxWhile appreciating that our Ambassador could not possibly have turned this creature out into the street, may I ask whether we may be assured that no incidental expenses of any sort will fall on the British taxpayer, such as, for instance, his board and lodgings in the embassy, particularly in view of the fact that he has just been paid these vast sums of money by the Daily Mail?
§ Mr. AllanI asked that very question myself and I am assured that no expenses were incurred by him which fall on public funds.