Mr. WESTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a British citizen named Joe Richardson has been arrested by the Nazi police on a British ship anchored at Hamburg; and whether he has taken any action in the matter?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEYes, Sir. Mr. Richardson was arrested on 15th March, while on board a British ship steaming up the Elbe within German territorial waters, on a charge of activities detrimental to the German State, and in particular of carrying correspondence in the service of the Communist party, which is illegal in Germany. His Majesty's Consul-General at Hamburg was notified at the time by the German police, and he has seen Mr. Richardson on more than one occasion. He has obtained an assurance from the German authorities that Mr. Richardson will be humanely treated during his detention pending trial, and he has also arranged for Mr. Richardson's defence.