§ 20. Mr. ANDERSONasked for what reason Edward Sœrmus, the Russian violinist, has been ordered to return to Russia, seeing that he has taken no part in political propaganda and has been rejected for military service both in Russia and this country; whether he is aware that this musician was ordered to return within a week to Russia at a time when his wife was lying ill and unable to travel with him; and whether he is aware that such actions on the part of the British authorities are deeply affecting the minds of the Russian people and will adversely affect the future relations of the two countries, including the trading and commercial relations?
§ 25. Mr. SNOWDENasked if a deportation order has been made against Mr. Edward Sœrmus, and, if so, on what grounds; if this order has been carried into effect; and, if not, will he, in view of the fact that Mr. Sœrmus is an Esthonian subject, reconsider the matter?
§ Sir G. CAVEI understand that, as this man was engaged in revolutionary propaganda in this country he was warned by the police that an application would probably be made for his deportation; but that in the present circumstances and particularly in view of his wife's state of health it is not intended to press the application at the present time. No deportation order has in fact been made.
§ Mr. SNOWDENWill the right hon. Gentleman state what the nature of the seditious propaganda was in which he was engaged?
§ Sir G. CAVENo, Sir. The matter has not yet come before me. If it should come before me I shall require to be informed as to the nature of the propaganda.