§ 34. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister why any negotiations have taken place with a representative of the Soviet Government while British officers and men are held prisoners and hostages, and are reported to be used as slaves at forced labour; whether His Majesty's Government have the full concurrence of our Allies in opening any sort of negotiation with Soviet Russia; whether such negotiations do in fact involve recognition of the Soviet Government; and is it intended to continue them irrespective of the present and further acts of the Soviet Government, and the past declaration of the Prime Minister?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot add anything to the statement made on this subject on Thursday last.
§ Viscount CURZONDoes America stand with us on this question of recognising Soviet Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat does not arise out of this question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel CROFTHave all these prisoners yet been released?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe a good many have been released. I am not sure the majority have not been, but I should like to have notice, and I will give the accurate figure.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the prisoners in Siberia—18 officers and men—are under Soviet Governments, which are not in communication with Moscow, or under their orders at all?
§ Viscount CURZONDoes the reply refer to naval prisoners?
The PRIME MINSTERThat was one of the questions addressed to me on Wednesday last. The demand we put forward certainly extended to naval prisoners.
§ Lord R. CECILWill it be possible to ask Dr. Nansen, who, I understand, is proceeding to Siberia in connection with prisoners, to look into the question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have had the privilege of a conversation with Dr. Nansen a few minutes ago on this and other subjects.
§ 46. Colonel GRETTONasked the Prime Minister whether a day will be given or other opportunity afforded this House to consider the Russian negotiations before this country is committed to any engagements or understanding with the Russian Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no reason to believe that there is any general desire for such a discussion. If there were such a desire, the Government would endeavour to find time for it.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to ascertain if there be any general desire?
§ Colonel GRETTONIn what way can the Prime Minister be convinced that there is a general desire for a discussion of this subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend is an old and experienced Member, and he knows perfectly well that there are ways and means of communicating with the Government a general desire. Time is getting very limited. There is not much time, before the end of the Session, to do our work. Therefore, we are not anxious to allcoate time for discussion, unless there be a real desire, not on the part of a few Members, but a general desire of the House that there should be a discussion. I can assure my hon. Friend that there is nothing I desire more.
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre we to understand that M. Krassin is actually a representative of the Soviet Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have already answered that question.
§ Colonel GRETTONI beg to give notice that I shall move the Adjournment of the House later, in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance.
§ 61. Mr. BENNETTasked whether His Majesty's Government, before consenting to enter into conversation with M. Krassin, obtained any assurance that the Russian Soviet Government would recognise debts due to the subjects of Allied States by Russia whether in the 31 form of State debts or of money due to individuals for property taken possession of by the Soviet authorities?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on 3rd June.
§ At the end of Questions—
§ Colonel GRETTONI beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the negotiations which have been commenced with Monsieur Krassin.
§ The pleasure of the House having been signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight this evening.