Permit me to quote verbatim from the Edinburgh Scotsman of June 12, 1913:
The SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND replied--Graves was released in December last. It would not be in accordance with precedent to state reasons for the exercise of the prerogative. I have no official knowledge of his nationality. The sentence did not include any recommendation in favor of deportation.
MR. KING--Was he released because of the state of his health?
The SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND--I believe he was in bad health, but I cannot give any other answer.
MR. KING--Were any conditions imposed at the time of his release?
THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND--I think I have dealt with that in my answer. (Cries of "No.")
MR. KING--Can the right hon. gentleman be a little more explicit? (Laughter.) We are anxious to have the truth. Unless the right hon. gentleman can give me an explicit answer as to whether any conditions were imposed I will put down the question again. (Laughter.)
The SPEAKER intervened at this stage, and the subject dropped.
Heckling began at this point; word was quickly sent to the Speaker, and he intervened, ruling the subject closed.
Now consider the Secretary for Scotland's statement. "It would not be in accordance with precedent to state reasons for the exercise of prerogative." In other words, high officials in England had found it advisable secretly to release me from Barlinney Prison by using the royal prerogative. Why? Later you will know.