§ 124. Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long the British prisoners detained by the Egyptian authorities on charges of alleged espionage have been in custody awaiting trial; what is known of their treatment and circumstances; and what steps have been taken by his Department to urge that these British subjects should either be brought to trial immediately or released at once.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreMessrs. Pittuck and Swinburn were arrested on 27th August, Mr. Zarb on 28th August, and Mr. Stanley on 3rd September.
After early difficulties, consular visits were permitted on 30th August in the case of Mr. Pittuck and Mr. Swinburn and, after that, regularly to all four men. Consular reports first indicated that they were tired and dazed after their initial interrogation, but showed no signs of physical ill-treatment. Subsequently, conditions of detention improved and the morale of the men was reported to be good. They and their families are able to send and receive letters. When diplomatic relations were severed, visits were for a time interrupted, but the Swiss 58W authorities are now being permitted to visit them regularly. They report their condition as being satisfactory.
On 16th January, Her Majesty's Government requested the Swiss authorities to convey to the Egyptian Government a communication calling upon them to release any British subjects still detained in prison or in internment against whom no charges had been made of specific offences against Egyptian law. This request concerns the four British subjects detained for alleged espionage, since no formal charges have yet been made against them. No reply has yet been received.