HC Deb 20 October 1952 vol 505 c66W
121. Dr. King

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on what has been done to mitigate the heavy sentence imposed on British sailors in Japan for a minor offence.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government have from the outset protested against the trial of the two seamen by a Japanese court. Her Majesty's Ambassador in Japan has since made strong representations to secure the release of these men. He will continue to take all steps open to him to this end. Meanwhile the seamen have appealed and it is expected that the finding of the Appeal Court will be announced on the 5th November. Her Majesty's Consular Officers and a member of Her Majesty's Embassy in Tokyo have visited the two seamen in prison. They report that they are satisfactorily fed, housed and treated.