§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further progress has been made with the negotiations for the exchange of British prisoners of war in Soviet Russia; by what means and through what channels are the negotiations being conducted; and have any steps been taken to invite the good offices of the Royal Roumanian Government or of the Esthonian Government, both of which are or have been in touch with Moscow?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)Negotiations for the release of British prisoners in Russia are still in progress. These negotiations are conducted by means of wireless telegrams with the Russian Bolshevik Government.
The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I am not aware that the Esthonian Government either are or have been in close communication with the Russian Soviet Government.
As regards any negotiations between the Roumanian Government and the Russian Soviet Government, I have nothing to add to the reply which I returned to the hon. and gallant Member on the 28th ultimo.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYHave the Foreign Office received any information as to a semi-official mission going to Russia, and, if so, will it, in the interests of our men, be requested or invited to do all it can to expedite these negotiations?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHAny opportunity for hastening the release of our men will be taken.
Lieut.-Colonel MALONEMay we assume that no mission, either official or semi-official, has been undertaken to the Bolshevik Government during the last few weeks?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHOn the part of His Majesty's Government I think the hon. Member may assure himself of that.