§ 52. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether American troops in Siberia refused to co-operate in the fighting near Blagovestchenck against insurrectionary Russians; if so, why they refused; and whether British troops were used for this sort of warfare?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
The reason given by the General Officer Commanding the American troops was that the force which attacked the Japanese troops might prove to be insurrectionary Russian peasants, mistaken for Bolsheviks.
British troops have not been called upon to quell disturbances, but they will cooperate with other forces of the Allies, including American troops, in maintaining order in the areas in which, for the time being, they are stationed.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODYes, but if there is a difference of opinion as to whether these people are insurrectionary Russians or Bolsheviks between American troops and Japanese troops, can we have an assurance that British troops will cooperate with the Americans and not with the Japanese?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODBecause they are white men!
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think these matters must be left to the discretion of the officers on the spot. In this particular case there is no doubt that this was a powerful and well-armed band of Bolsheviks.