§ 23. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether it was on his orders that Mr. Chrysin, representative in England of the All-Russia co-operative consumers' societies, was on 9th September arrested and kept in prison till 20th Septem- 256 ber; whether he is aware that Mr. Chrysin refused to support the Russian Government after the signing of the Brest-Litovsk treaty; and whether, in view of Mr. Chrysin's record and the high position held by him in the co-operative movement, he will now offer an apology and suitable compensation to Mr. Chrysin?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)This man was one of the associates of M. Litvinoff, and with him was placed under detention for a time in order to enable pressure to be put upon the Bolshevist Government to release Mr. Lockhart and other British subjects imprisoned in Russia. He was released on the 20th September, and left this country for Russia with M. Litvinoff on the 26th September. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that since the Soviet Government came into power eleven months ago Mr. Chrysin was not associated at all with Mr. Litvinoff?
§ Mr. KINGBecause he was sent. Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the association of these two gentlemen ceased a long time ago, and has he made inquiries as to whether it is not through personal and business animosity that this man was deported?
§ Sir G. CAVEMy information is directly contrary to that of the hon. Member.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWho gave it to you?