§ 2.37 p.m.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a Statement on action taken to secure the release of Dr. Cassidy from detention in Chile.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, Her Majesty's Government have repeatedly and vigorously protested to the Chilean Government through the Ambassador in Santiago and the Chilean Ambassador in London over Dr. Cassidy's detention. We shall continue to press that she be released or properly charged.
§ Lord BROCKWAYMy Lords, while appreciating what the Government have done, may I ask whether my noble friend the Minister can say if Dr. Cassidy has been charged with anything other than giving medical assistance to an opponent 266 of the Government? Is there not a medical code by which such treatment could be given, irrespective of any views the person may hold?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, Dr. Cassidy is detained under the state of siege regulations imposed by the present Chilean Administration. Separate from but possibly related to that is the accusation—not so far a charge—that she has aided a fugitive extremist. We hope that, whatever the charges are, they will be speedily and properly made, or that she should be released without qualification.
Baroness VICKERSMy Lords, some time ago I asked the noble Lord the Minister about this case, and he then requested me to write him a letter, which I did. I have not received a reply until listening to the Answer today. I should like to know what action has been taken to release this woman who was imprisoned for a merciful action which she took at the time she was arrested.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I am astonished that, of all people, the noble Baroness, Lady Vickers, has not received a reply to a letter which she wrote to me.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I think this must be quite exceptional and I apologise ahead of looking into the matter. The noble Baroness can be assured that any discrepancy will be very speedily put right.
Baroness VICKERSMy Lords, what action will the Government take? Will they take immediate action? That is what I really want to know.
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I have indicated the action we have taken and are continuing to take. The noble Baroness can rest assured that we shall not be remiss in pressing forward on the lines I have indicated.
Lord BRUCE of DONINGTONMy Lords, in view of the fact that it is now known that the existing Government of Chile was established largely with the aid of the American Central Intelligence Agency, would my noble friend say whether he considers it proper to enlist 267 the aid of the United States in making representations about Dr. Cassidy?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I will consider that point.
§ Baroness SUMMERSKILLMy Lords, may I ask whether there is anything in the South American countries equivalent to the Hippocratic Oath?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I have no idea, except that it is generally understood that the international standards of the medical profession are very high. It would surprise me, and disappoint us all, if the medical fraternity in Chile, as in other countries, were not to come forward to say that, if Dr. Cassidy's activities had been confined to assisting a wounded man of whatever political persuasion, she was acting in obedience to a very high oath, professional and moral.
§ Lord RITCHIE-CALDERMy Lords, has my noble friend considered any way by which this case can be taken up by the International Red Cross?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, I have no information as to any representations made by a body such as the International Red Cross, but I think it is matter that we might look into to see whether they can help.