BRITISH PRO-CONSUL AND HIS WIFE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 9

BRITISH PRO-CONSUL AND HIS WIFE

NATURE OF CHARGES UNKNOWN

LONDON SURPRISED

(British Official Wireless.) (Received January 4, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, January 3. Confirmation has been received in London from the acting British agent at Burgos, Mr. C. B. Jerram, of the arrest of Mr. Ernest Golding, British pro-Consul at San Sebastian, but the nature of the charges is not known. I Mr. Jerram has been instructed to secure legal assistance for Mr. Golding, who as pro-Consul enjoys no special immunities' or privileges. On the assumption which is generally made in Press reports from Spain that the arrest is in connection with the alleged consular bag incident, the news of Mr. Golding's detention has been received with surprise in London, in view of the pending formal inquiry into the incident for which, as the Spanish nationalist authorities will be aware, arrangements are in train.

(Received January 4, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 3. The Foreign Office has received confirmation from Burgos of the arrest of Mr. Golding and his wife, but the charges are unknown. The arrests are regarded as highly improper.

It is not yet known how Mr. Golding was connected with the dispatch of the diplomatic bag. His duties normally are in the nature of an actuary. Possibly he was responsible for fixing the official seals.

British inquiry is- still proceeding. The British agent at "'Burgos, Mr. Jerram, the senior diplomatic representative in the absence of Sir Robert Hodson through illness, has been instructed to demand an explanation of the arrests and also access to the prisoners.

"The Times" says official London, circles state that Mr. Golding's arrest will create a serious situation.