§ 11. Wing-Commander Millingtonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the Uruguayan Chamber of Deputies is now conducting an investigation into alleged frauds against currency regulations, of which a British subject, Mr. H. H. Grindlay, of the Uruguayan Railway, is accused, and that he claims to be an employee of his Department; what official post is occupied by Mr. Grindlay; and whether he will give an assurance that his regulations make clear to all employees of his Department in foreign countries that infringement of the currency regulations of those countries will at once be punished.
Mr. McNeil:I am aware that a committee was appointed by the Uruguayan Chamber in December, 1943, to investigate allegations that the Central Uruguayan Railway, of which Mr. Grindlay is general manager at Montevideo, had been guilty of irregularities in obtaining and disposing of funds from the exchange quota established by the Anglo-Uruguayan Trade and Payments Agreement of 1935. The report of this committee is still awaited, although it was established some 2½ years ago. I am not, however, aware that Mr. Grindlay has claimed that he is employed by the Foreign Office. Certainly he holds no official post.
As regards the last part of the Question, the infringement by members of His Majesty's Foreign Service of the laws and regulations of the foreign countries where 42W they reside would be a matter for appropriate disciplinary action. I have no reason to suppose that members of His Majesty's Missions abroad are not fully aware of their obligation to observe the laws and regulations in force in such countries, or that they fail in this elementary duty.