HC Deb 04 February 1915 vol 69 cc208-10

The remaining Government Orders of the Day were read and postponed.

Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to the Resolution of 3rd February, 1915, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Mr. KING

I venture to call the attention of the House to an item of news which has come through this morning, and of which I think some public notice ought to be taken here. I have given notice to the Foreign Office of my intention to refer to this matter, and I am glad to see the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in his place, although I suppose his work at the Foreign Office is soon to be taken over by another hon. Member. We learn from the "Times" this morning that a very well-known gentleman (Mr. Bourtzeff), who was for some years resident in England and who is a distinguished Russian scholar and gentleman had been sentenced in Russia to deportation to Siberia. This is a matter which must have awakened in a great many hearts a real and deep feeling of surprise and regret. Only upon the 18th September last a very remarkable letter appeared in the "Times" written by Mr. Bourtzeff, to which the "Times" gave the place of honour with large print on the centre page of its issue, heading the letter— Expectant Russia—a Revolutionary View. In an introductory note of great appreciation of Mr. Bourtzcff's character and position, they referred to the fact that he— has just left for Russia in order to use whatever influences he may possess in support of the Government. It also stated what is very well known, that Mr. Bourtzeff's name is best known in connection with his exposure of Azeff Harting, and other agents provocateurs in Russia. This letter, which was an extremely dignified and eloquent appeal to Russians of all parties to unite in supporting the Government, did not contain one single word of recrimination, criticism, or any qualified measure of support of the Russian Government, but called upon all Russians, irrespective of party, to support the Government in their great national undertaking to achieve a victory against the German threat. It contained several memorable passages, but I will only read this:— We are convinced that after this War there will no longer be any room for political reaction, and Russia will be associated with the existing group of cultured and civilised countries. …. All the parties in Russia, without exception, have supported the Government. Attention called to the fact that forty Members were not present; House counted, and forty Members not being present Mr. Speaker adjourned the House without Question put. Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-three minutes before Six o'clock till Monday next, 8th February.