§ 4. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether war had been formally declared between His Majesty and the Russian Soviet Republic; if not, why a blockade was being exercised against the Russian Soviet Republic; whether notice of this blockade had been given to neutral Powers in accordance with international law; and whether drugs, anæsthetics, surgical instruments, lint, and bandages were contraband of war if destined to Soviet Russia?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. No blockade has been declared or is being exercised against any part of Russia. The third and fourth parts of the question, therefore, do not arise. Although no blockade exists either in the White Baltic or Black Seas, the existing conditions which are the result of the aggressive measures taken by the Soviet party in Russia against those portions of the former Empire which decline to acknowledge their authority render it, I believe, physically impossible for goods to reach the interior of Russia.
§ Captain WEDGWOOD BENNAre we at war with the Soviet Republic?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe hon. and gallant Member knows that that subject has been discussed in this House.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCould the hon. Member say why neutral trading ships are prevented from proceeding to their destination, but are arrested and sent back?
Mr. HARMSWORTHWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman give me details of such a Case. I am not aware of such a case.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI will do so.