§ 10. Mr. GEORGE TERRELLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to the treatment which British prisoners are receiving in Russia?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe reports which are received in regard to the present treatment of British prisoners in Russia are conflicting. As far as can be ascertained, those civilian prisoners who are in Petrograd are imprisoned in the Kronstad fortress where their condition naturally causes anxiety, although we are without definite information as to the facilities afforded to them for receiving food and other comforts from friends and relations outside.
The British naval and military prisoners in Moscow are kept in the Bootirka convict prison. There, conditions are believed to be somewhat easier than at Petrograd and to include certain liberty of movement. The men receive comparatively bolter treatment than the officers, as the Bolshevik authorities try to convert the former in order to use them for propaganda purposes.
All possible measures are being taken to afford relief to the British civilian, naval and military prisoners in Russia, and also such steps as are practicable in order to effect their exchange.