HC Deb 28 January 1918 vol 101 cc1277-8
4. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the possibility that Russia may still play an important military part in the war, and considering also the danger that a policy of may turn that fighting force against one or other of the Allies, and in face of the fact also that in the visit of Ambassadors and Ministers to M. Lenin the absence of a British representative was conspicuous, he will now arrange for a special Embassy to Petrograd composed of distinguished men in sympathy with Republican ideals, and make all arrangements for the appointment of an Ambassador to succeed Sir George Buchanan?

The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)

The answer to the hon. Gentleman's question is in the negative. Let me add that he is utterly mistaken in supposing that there is any policy of "ill-will" to Russia or Russians.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if in this question he will assert his own personality more, and rise out of the grooves of a hopeless Foreign Office?

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Does the right hon. Gentleman disagree with the action of the French Government, whose Foreign Minister has stigmatised the Russian Government as a set of usurpers with whom he has nothing to do?

Mr. BALFOUR

I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should put that question to the French Minister.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

I wish I could.

88. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Home Secretary whether he exercises any powers of censorship over the telegrams arriving from foreign parts or over other communications concerning the actions of the present Russian Government?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)

All telegrams from abroad have been since the beginning of the War, and still are, subject to censorship.

Mr. LYNCH

Is it correct to say that whereas his Department keeps back telegrams from M. Trotsky, yet it allows currency to be given to the wildest rumours detrimental to the present rulers of Russia?

Sir G. CAVE

I do not know anything about that.

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