§ 53. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister what orders have been given to the admiral commanding in the Baltic with respect to the use of the British Fleet or seaplanes against unarmed Russians or against armed Russians, ships, or forts which are not engaged in attacking the British Fleet?
§ Mr. LONGI have been asked to reply to this question. The admiral commanding in the Baltic has orders to employ his forces as necessary to prevent aggression by Bolshevik forces against the Baltic States and to assist by all means in his power those States which are fighting in accordance with the aims of the Supreme Council. If the reference to "unarmed Russians" is intended to imply the deliberate use of His Majesty's naval forces against such people, I can only say that it has not been considered necessary to give any orders on this subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that Petrograd has not been bombed from the air and that Krasnoye Selo has not been shelled by our warships?
§ Mr. LONGThe hon. and gallant Gentleman is to understand exactly what has happened. There have been answers in this House and a great many statements in the newspapers.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNAre we to understand that the decision of the Government to abandon the land expedition against Russia does not apply to a sea expedition?
§ Mr. LONGThe hon. and gallant Gentleman can understand exactly what lie likes, but his interpretation bears no relevance whatever either to the question or to my answer.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODHas the admiral on the Baltic station instructions to shell Bolshevik ships if they shell his ships, or has he instructions to start shelling or sinking Bolshevik ships?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIt is perfectly clear.
§ Mr. LONGIt is not quite clear. I dare say it is my stupidity. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman means that the naval officer commanding is not to fire until his ships are sunk, those are not the orders given him.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to take the offensive and are our ships to fire first?
§ Mr. LONGThe instructions are perfectly clear. They are to take such steps as the admiral thinks necessary to assist the Baltic States, and certainly it is not suggested that he should wait until his men have been killed or his ships sunk before he replies.
§ Captain BENNAre we carrying on a sea war against the Russian Government?
§ Mr. LONGThat question is of an extremely vague character. I have given a definite answer to a definite question. The officer commanding the naval forces is instructed to give the best aid in his power to the Baltic States.
§ Commander Viscount CURZONIs it not a fact that when engagements have taken place between Bolshevik ships and our ships the Bolshevik ships have nearly always opened fire first?
§ Mr. LONGIt is quite impossible to answer that question, nor really do I think it matters. Our naval forces arc instructed to do their best to help those in whose interest they are there. We leave it to them with perfect confidence.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre the Baltic Mates consulted?