§ 8. Lieutenant-Colonel W. GUINNESSasked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information that Russian officers who have been prisoners in Germany are being sent back to Russia, where they are collected in large batches and shot by the Bolsheviks?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe most recent information received by His Majesty's Government is to the effect that large numbers of Russian officers who have been prisoners of war in Germany have been repatriated to Russia, and that many 1103 of those who refused to join the Bolshevik army have been shot by the Bolshevik authorities.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel Sir S. HOARECan the hon. Gentleman circulate the information which he has on the subject before the White Paper?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe subject of issuing literature relating to Bolshevik government is under the consideration of the Government.
§ 9. Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSasked whether in the invitation to Russian Governments to attend a Conference at Prinkipo any condition was imposed as to the cessation of massacres?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe invitation by the Allied Governments to the various Russian groups to attend the Conference at Prinkipo was issued on the condition that there should be a general truce of arms among the parties invited, and that aggressive military action of all kinds should cease.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSDoes the hon. Gentleman think that military action would cover these quite unconstitutional massacres?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI should not like to be asked to reply to that. I am inclined to agree with my hon. Friend.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSWill the hon. Gentleman make representations that in future no such proposals should be put forward without expressly providing for cessation of massacres?
§ Colonel ASHLEYAre we to understand that this unfortunate proposal is now definitely at an end?
§ 13. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that Phillips Price, formerly correspondant of the "Manchester Guardian," has been editing a Bolshevist newspaper, the "Call," which is spread among British troops in the Murman territory; whether the newspaper has incited them to revolt; and whether full information has been collected in regard to this man with a view to his ultimate trial?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the first and second parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative. Information has been collected in regard to the activities of Mr. Phillips Price, and will be available in the event of his return to this country, and of a decision being taken to take action in the case.
14. Lieutenant-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the decree recently published by the Bolshevist Council of the city of Saratoff as to the treatment of women; and if he will take steps to secure wide publicity for this shocking instance of the result of the present revolutionary rule in Russia in order to assist in counteracting the Bolshevist movement in this country.
Mr. HARMSWORTHYes, Sir. There is reason to believe that such a Proclamation was issued in several centres and that an attempt was even made to enforce it. But it has not been established whether the Proclamation was issued by the Bolshevik Council or by an anarchist body.
Sir F. HALLWill the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question, as to whether publicity is to be given to this terrible state of affairs?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI have studied the document myself, and am not quite sure whether it is suitable for general publication. I shall be happy to show it to any Members of Parliament who would like to see it.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIf it has not been issued by the Bolshevists, why should it be used by the Government and the Press of the country to run down the Bolshevist government?