HC Deb 01 August 1918 vol 109 cc581-2
4. Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any official information has been received that 200 members of the Left Social revolutionary party in Russia, alleged to have been implicated in the execution of the German Count Mirbach at Moscow, have been shot without trial; if so, if he can say whether this was done at the instigation of the German Government; and, if so, whether the Government propose to address any protest through the diplomatic channels to the German agents in Russia at this attempt to suppress patriotic protests against the German Government?

Lord R. CECIL

Direct telegraphic communication with Moscow is interrupted, and I have no definite information as to what has happened there since the assassination of Count Mirbach.

Sir F. HALL

Has the Noble Lord received no communications at all on this subject?

Lord R. CECIL

No; I do not think we have had any communications from Moscow since that date—direct or indirect.

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Is not this one of those quite unauthentic stories which have frequently come from Monarchist quarters in Russia?

Lord R. CECIL

I cannot say anything more than I have already said.

Mr. KING

Is it not a fact that many of these stories are never anywhere nearer Russia than Amsterdam?

Lord R. CECIL

The hon. Gentleman is, no doubt, a very great authority on that subject.

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