HC Deb 30 June 1909 vol 7 cc570-1W
Mr. COOPER

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to state whether Henry Morris, a London electrician, who had been detained in the Chiriqui Gaol, Panama, for more than four months awaiting his trial, has been allowed bail; and whether any day has been fixed for his trial?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

His Majesty's Minister at Panama reports that Morris and two United States citizens are charged with complicity in robbery at Colon last January. Morris is being tried according to the law, but the case against him is complicated by his attempted escape from gaol. He can be liberated on bail for £150, and counsel will be required for his defence. Being destitute, he is unable to meet these expenses, and the question of providing bail and the employment of counsel for him is now under consideration. The first notice received by His Majesty's Minister from Morris was on June 5th, and he personally made a thorough investigation into the case the same day.