§ 5. Mr. GINNELLasked whether His. Majesty's Government, before refusing to allow food from America to reach the starving inhabitants of Russian Poland, consulted either the Russian or the American Governments; whether either or both approved of the refusal; and whether the text of the refusal has been communicated to those two Governments?
§ Sir E. GREYHis Majesty's Government have not refused to allow food to reach Poland. Poland, being in occupation of the enemy, comes under the operation of the Orders in Council. The Allied Governments have been approached with a request to allow food to reach the country under neutral control. His Majesty's Government have, after consulting their Allies, replied that they cannot, as far as 211 it rests with them, consider the question until the various measures of spoliation adopted by the enemy in Poland have ceased. To do otherwise would be simply to provide supplies for the Germans.