HC Deb 17 October 1918 vol 110 cc252-3
2. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to the temporarily successful attempt to upset Mr. Tchaikovsky's Socialist Government at Archangel; and whether steps are being taken to see that Russian officers with our Forces do not use their position in any other manner than would be seemly in a British officer?

5. Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the overthrow of the Tschiavosky Government in Archangel; whether British officers were concerned in the military plot; and, if so, whether they have been punished?

Lord R. CECIL

On 5th September M. Tschaichowski's Government was overthrown by the commander of the Russian forces at Archangel, who captured the principal members of the Government and deported them to a neighbouring island. The Allied representatives immediately expressed strong disapprobation of these proceedings, and the Ministers were brought back on a British vessel and reinstated. With regard to the second part of the question, I understand that Russian officers serving in the Allied forces at Archangel are under exactly the same discipline as British officers. No British officers were engaged in this affair.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Was the Russian officer commanding at Archangel or were his subordinates in our pay?

Lord R. CECIL

I should like notice of that question.

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