§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that M. Gambs signed, on 18th April, 1918, a certificate relieving M. Marks from being called up for military service yet, adding, after the name of Gambs, the words on behalf of the Russian Embassy; whether M. Gambs is authorised by any Russian Embassy in any capacity; and, if so, who is the Ambassador for whom M. Gambs acts?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)M. Gambs was appointed in July last, when the Military Service Agreement with Russia came into operation, to issue certificates of exemption to Russian subjects on behalf of the Russian Embassy. I have no information as to the actual certificate referred to, but any certificates which have been issued by M. Gambs will be accepted by the British authorities as effective for the purpose for which they were issued.
§ Mr. BALFOURThe hon. Gentleman will remember that I gave him a reply in answer to a question he put to me as to the rather anomalous position now necessarily occupied by the Russian Chargé d'Affaires and M. Litvinoff, and I do not think I can add anything to that answer.
§ Mr. KINGWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the position that there is a Russian official entitled to grant exemptions, but that there is no British official in Russia entitled to grant exemptions?
§ Mr. BALFOURI do not think any difficulty has arisen under the last head, but if it arises I shall be very glad to see if it can be remedied.
§ Mr. KINGIn the interests of our nationals in Russia, who might at any time be summoned for military service in Russia, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider acting in some way in their interests?
§ Mr. BALFOURI do not think the occasion has arisen.