§ 54. Mr. Brookeasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further action he has taken to bring assistance to Mr. Gerald Brooke, held prisoner by the Russians on no stated grounds; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PadleyIn response to representations from Her Majesty's Government the Soviet authorities permitted Her Majesty's Consul in Moscow to visit Mr. Brooke on 7th May. The Consul learned that the formal indictment against Mr. Brooke had not yet been formulated but the interview confirmed that the allegations against Mr. Brooke related to involvement in subversive activities. Mr. Brooke indicated that, since the preliminary investigation was still in progress the question of legal defence had not arisen. If this stage is reached Her Majesty's Consul will do what she can to advise and assist Mr. Brooke in making arrangements for his defence. She has also arranged to send reading matter and toilet articles to the Soviet authorities for transmission to him. The House may be assured that Her Majesty's Government will continue to do everything they properly can to assist Mr. Brooke.