19. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any official information showing that the commissary for the defence of Petrograd has ordered that all foreigners and their families are to be concentrated in a special camp, from which they are to be sent on compulsory labour; if so, what action the Government proposes to take to protect the interests of British subjects in this matter; and, if the Government has not official information on the subject, whether he will take steps to ascertain the facts, in order that the interests of British citizens in Russia may not continue to be jeopardised by failure to secure accurate information with regard to their treatment, and to take the necessary steps to enforce the ordinary rules of international usage in such matters?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second and third parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question, His Majesty's Government have the interests of the British subjects in Russia under constant consideration, and hope eventually to arrange for their departure from the parts of Russia in the power of the Soviet Government. I must, however, remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, as there are no longer any Allied or neutral representatives, either Diplomatic or Consular, in Russia, and as the two British Red Cross representatives who recently visited the country were made to leave in May last, it is extremely difficult to obtain any accurate information, or bring any pressure to bear upon the Soviet Government in the matter.
Sir F. HALLDo we understand that any of our people who are unfortunately in Petrograd, and are in this condition, are to be left there without any help being rendered to them?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODMy hon. and gallant Friend must not understand anything of the kind. Every possible help will be given to British subjects in Russia, subject to the extraordinary attitude of the Soviet Government, and the circumstances of the case.
Sir F. HALLAfter that emphatic answer, can my hon. and gallant Friend tell me, at all events, what is being done with regard to that?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIf I were to disclose everything that we were trying to do, it would defeat the very object we have in view.
Sir F. HALLDoes my hon. and gallant Friend recognise that this was the general answer that was given by members of the Government?