HC Deb 09 April 1919 vol 114 cc2031-2
Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDS

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the telegrams from Paris appearing in the American and the English papers, reiterating that certain American financiers have delivered to certain representatives at the Peace Conference written overtures for recognition from the leaders of the Bolshevik regime in Russia, signed by Lenin, setting forth the terms he would be disposed to accept if they were put forward by the Allies; whether these terms have been laid before President Wilson and the principal plenipotentiaries from this country; whether it is a fact that the proposals have favourably impressed some of the said representatives; whether he is aware that the statements have caused profound consternation among those in this country who believe that any recognition of the Lenin regime would give open encouragement to Bolshevism, with all its appalling consequences to the civilised countries of the world; and whether he can give an assurance that the British representatives will under no circumstances extend any recognition to the Bolshevik regime in Russia?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I regret that I can add nothing to my replies on this subject given to the hon. and gallant Members for Chelsea and Dulwich respectively on the 2nd and 3rd of April, and to the statement made by the Leader of the House in the course of Debate on the 2nd of April.

Mr. EDWARDS

In view of the unsatisfactory character of the reply, I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.

Mr. SPEAKER

On what grounds?

Mr. EDWARDS

To draw attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance,—namely, the alleged overtures from the Bolshevik regime in Russia to the Peace Conference in Paris.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member for East Ham South (Mr. C. Edwards) asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance—namely, the alleged overtures from the Bolshevik regime in Russia to the Peace Conference in Paris—

Colonel THORNE

May I ask whether we can get an assurance from any of the Government Ministers?

HON. MEMBERS

Order, order!

Mr. SPEAKER

Has the hon. Member for East Ham South the leave of the House?

Several HON. MEMBERS

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not necessary for hon. Members to rise.

HON. MEMBERS

Aye!

Mr. SPEAKER

It is not necessary, either, for hon. Members to say "Aye!" Hon. Members will rise if there are any shouts of "No!"

The pleasure of the House having been signified, the Motion stood over, under Standing Order No. 10, until a Quarter past Eight o'clock this evening.