§ 62. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions Antoni Klimowicz has been charged and found guilty of offences under British law; what were these offences and the sentences in each case; why this man was forcibly removed from the s.s. "Jaroslaw Dubrowski"; and what consultations were held with the Consul-General of 297W the Polish People's Republic, or his representative, by the police, with a view to enabling a consular representative to be present in accordance with international law.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIt would be contary to long-established practice to disclose information about a person's criminal convictions. Antoni Klimowicz was removed from the Polish ship because the master of the ship refused to give any assurance that he would obey the writ of habeas corpus which had been issued by the Lord Chief Justice on the application of my predecessor. The Polish Ambassador had been given ample notice that the writ would be served and that all appropriate measures would be taken to ensure compliance with it.
§ 63. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why, on the night of 31st July-1st August, a police force of 84–120 men, under the personal command of Sir John Nott-Bower, Commissioner of Police, used force for the purpose of arresting a Polish national, Antoni Klimowicz; and what was the result of his appearance in the British courts on 3rd August.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeMr. Klimowicz was not arrested. The result of his appearance in court was that the court was satisfied that the writ ofhabeas corpus which had been issued with respect to him had been complied with.
§ 64. Mr. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a British immigration officer on 30th July. 1954, handed to the master of the s.s. "Jaroslav Dubrowski" a written order asking him to take away from the British port, Antoni Klimowicz; whether he will state the terms of the written order handed to Antoni Klimowicz at the same time by this officer refusing this man permission to land; why these orders were countermanded on 31st July; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The corresponding notice handed to Mr. Klimowicz informed him that he had been refused leave to land under the Aliens Order, 1953. These notices were countermanded by my predecessor in order that he might give298W further consideration to the case. The circumstances received such wide publicity that I do not think it necessary to add to the public statements issued at the time.