§ 13. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Consular Agent in Russia or any-British official, with any representative of any Allied State, has left Vologda; whether he or they have proceeded to Archangel; whether, if so, the reason for this can be stated; and whether, as stated a week ago, the political relations between this country and Russia remain unchanged?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)The British Commissioner who was recently sent to Russia left Vologda for Murmansk on the 24th of July, owing to his position having been rendered untenable by interference with his telegrams and other vexatious restrictions imposed by the local Bolshevik authorities. Several of the Allied representatives at Vologda, including the United States Ambassador, left at the same time, and proceeded viâ Archangel to Murmansk. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the developments of the Allies' Russian policy during the last week, can a statement be made either to-day or to-morrow in debate by the Foreign Secretary?
§ Mr. BALFOURNo, Sir; I doubt whether any formal statement on this isolated operation of the great world war would be of any advantage.
§ Mr. KINGHas there not been a great and unexpected development on three points in Russia during the last week, and when a new development—in fact, a new front—is developed and taken up by the Allies, cannot we have some statement about it?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman safely tell us the present position of Mr. Lockhart?
§ Mr. BALFOURMr. Lockhart is still at Moscow.