HC Deb 06 May 1918 vol 105 cc1848-9
19. Mr. KING

asked whether the Anglo-American Mission has reached Volgoda on the return journey from Siberia, where it has investigated the alleged arming of German prisoners; and whether he is aware that Mr. George Tchitcherine, the Russian Commissionary for Foreign Relations, has stated that this mission has declared that there is no truth in the German prisoner allegation?

Mr. BALFOUR

The British officer who went to Siberia for the purpose mentioned has, I believe, returned to Moscow. I have no information as regards the American officer. I have not heard of the alleged statement referred to in the last part of the question.

Mr. WHYTE

Under whose orders was the British officer acting?

Mr. KING

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the purport of this mission, as conveyed to us by Mr. Tchit-cherine is the same as that conveyed by the officer to the authorities here?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have already indicated in the answer I have given that I have not heard of the alleged statement by Mr. Tchitcherine.