6. Lieut.-Colonel MALONEasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Messrs. Bullitt and Steffens are now in Central Russia; whether they are again engaged on semi-official business; and whether, in view of the grave results liable to accrue from these secret missions and the fact that Germany is already supplying strong military and commercial aid to Soviet Russia, he will recommend the immediate dispatch of a British or Allied Mission to negotiate 1067 terms with the Bolshevik Government for the exchange of prisoners and other matters connected with our withdrawal?
Mr. HARMSWORTHTo the best of my knowledge and belief, the answer to the first portion of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative. The remaining portions of the question do not, therefore, appear to arise.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSDoes the hon. Gentleman remember that when he was asked about the previous mission of Messrs. Bullitt and Steffens the Foreign Office said they knew nothing about it, and is there any probability that they are more accurately informed now?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI think the Foreign Office has had much more and better information than some of its critics.
Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESSDoes the hon. Member mean that when he denied that Messrs. Bullitt and Steffens were in Russia he really knew that they were there the whole time?
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that Bullitt has now nothing to do with the United States Government, and therefore he would not be there on official business.
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe Foreign Office is bound to give information only after very careful consideration.
Mr. HARMSWORTHI am sure that whatever statement I made was given on the best information then available.