HC Deb 21 January 1942 vol 377 cc377-8W
Dr. Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that one of the foreign Governments now domiciled on British soil is acting contrary to British law in its detention of persons arrested and alleged to be subjects of that foreign Government without opportunity being given to such detainee to argue his case before a recognised tribunal for adjudicating on any point at issue; and what inter-governmental arrangements have been made by the Foreign Office for the protection of such aliens whose nationality is in dispute.

Mr. Law

I am not aware that any Allied Government temporarily established in this country is acting in a way contrary to the law of the United Kingdom by illegally detaining persons alleged to be its nationals. Certain powers have been conferred upon the Allied Governments in this country by the Allied Forces Act, 1940 and the Allied Powers (Maritime Courts) Act, 1941 and, so far as I am aware, these powers are being exercised in accordance with the conditions and procedure prescribed by that legislation. If the contrary is alleged in any particular case, a legal remedy exists before the courts of this country.