§ Mr. HOHLERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Alfred Erenkel, aged twenty-six, is a German, unnaturalised, that he is the son of Gerald Frenkel, of Messrs. Jacquier and Securius, of Berlin, that when the War broke out ha was residing at Maidenhead, and since then at 14, Hereford Road, Harrogate; will he state why he has not been interned, and give the reasons for this answer; is he further aware that Mr. Frenkel has been in the receipt of a considerable income through a neutral country, and that he expects shortly to be repatriated; and will he state at whose instance this man of military age is to be repatriated and the reasons for this?
§ Mr. BRACEThe person referred to in the question, Alfred Martin Frenkel, is an invalid, the state of whose health in the earlier part of the War rendered internment or repatriation impossible. He has now been certified as fit for repatriation, and will be sent back to Germany with his wife very shortly. It is understood that his family are well-to-do, and the fact that he received money through a neutral channel has been well known to the authorities. The case has been under constant observation. The Home Office and the military authorities have been, from the first, anxious to get rid of him, and it is only on account of the state of health of himself and his wife that he was not deported long ago.
§ Sir I. PHILIPPSasked the Home Secretary where Baron von Plessen 1068W was living on the outbreak of war; when he left this country was he supplied with a passport, and, if not, how did he escape; where and when was he captured; had he any papers on him when captured showing how he had managed to escape; and is there any evidence to show if any person or persons assisted him to escape?
§ Mr. BRACEHe was not in this country at the outbreak of War. According to his own statements, he left England for Canada on 9th July, 1914, and embarked at New York for Genoa on 15th August, 1914. He was taken off the ship on which he was proceeding to Genoa from New York by the British naval authorities at Gibraltar on 24th August, and was subsequently brought to this country and interned here.
Mr. T. WILSONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at a German compound at Flower Down, Winchester, a German prisoner has been put in charge of the lighting arrangements assisted by several other Germans; that some of the lights are essential for the sentries to keep guard; that this work was formerly done under the contractors by civilian electricians; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am making inquiries into the matter, and will acquaint my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.