HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc691-2
24. Mr. KING

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what was the latest date on which money was advanced to, or on behalf of, M. Nabokoff, formerly Russian Chargé d'Affaires in London; whether M. Nabokoff has now been informed, or will be forthwith informed, that no further advances will be made to him unless he is duly accredited by a de facto Russian Government; and whether at any time since he ceased to be Prime Minister of Russia, M. Kerensky has received, directly or indirectly, any financial assistance from the British Gvernment?

Mr. BALFOUR

The last date on which money was advanced to Monsieur Nabokoff was 9th July. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. KING

Is the Grant made to M. Nabokoff only last week to be the last of these payments? I hope it is.

Mr. BALFOUR

I have already explained to the hon. Gentleman in my answer that I cannot give any pledge on that subject.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we going to go on indefinitely paying the ex-Russian Ambassadors and their staffs?

Mr. BALFOUR

I do not profess to be able to look into the future.

Mr. PRINGLE

Under what authority is the payment made?