§ 1. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether either the War Cabinet or the Army Council has considered the effect of the withdrawal by Russia from belligerency on those Russian subjects brought into the British Army by the Military Service (Conventions. with Allied States) Act; and whether it is intended to conscript Russian subjects, even though Russia has ceased to conscript British subjects?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)I have nothing to add to the reply which I returned to the hon. Member on 17th December.
§ Mr. KINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether this matter is under consideration in view of the feeling amongst persons of Russian nationality in this country, and in view of foreign affairs in Russia?
§ Mr. BALFOUROf course, we consider any point that may arise out of the 137 circumstances, but until the circumstances requiring consideration arise I do not see that anything is gained by attempting to answer such questions in this House.
§ 2. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, consistently with the public interest, he can state what is the present international position of Finland?
§ Mr. BALFOURI understand that Finland is now in process of constituting herself an independent Republic; but this process is not, as yet, complete.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that our Ally, France, has already recognised Finland as an independent State?
§ Mr. BALFOURYes, I am aware of that.
§ Mr. LYNCHIs it not a fact that the Russian Government has already recognised Finland as a Republic? How much further do the Foreign Office intend to fetter the action of this country and ruin its chances by its repugnance to Republican sentiment?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis question is one which ought to be put on the Paper.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the right hon. Gentleman say why, if France has recognised the Finnish Republic, there is delay on the part of our Government?
§ Mr. BALFOURI am not prepared to argue the question as to the course adopted by a friendly and Allied Government. If we have not recognised the Finnish Government it is not in the least through want of sympathy with the Finns; far from it, but because in our view, before taking that formal step, it would be desirable to know what the people of Russia think on the subject.
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions on the subject must be put on the Paper.
§ 15. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he has had an interview with Mr. Rosing, a Russian musician, when the release of Mr. George Tchitcherine from 138 internment was considered; and, if so, whether promise of his release was then offered?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I am informed that no such interview has taken place.
§ 16. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether, during or about November last, he received a memorandum from a British merchant, having long experience of and large business interests in Russia, urging a change in our diplomatic representation in Petrograd; whether any answer was returned; and whether any action has been, or will be, taken?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy right hon. Friend has no recollection of such a communication. If the hon. Member will furnish the name of the British merchant referred to, I shall then be in a position to reply to his question.