§ 2. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether M. Nabokoff, the Minister in the Czarist Legation in London, is still being supported with fundssupplied by the British Government; how much has he received in this way since March, 1917; on what date was the last payment made; what was the amount of this payment; what Government or authority in Russia does M. Nabokoff represent; whether he is recognised as Minister of an Allied or neutral State by the Foreign Office;and whether he has diplomatic relations with the British Government or with the Peace Conference or Allied Council in Paris?
Lieutenant-Colonel GUINNESSBefore that question is answered, will the hon. Member explain what meaning is to be attached to the expression "Czarist Legation," seeing that the Czar and all his family have been massacred by the friends of the hon. Member opposite?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member has no right to make a statement like that. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"] There is no question of withdrawing, but it is a very offensive observation to make.
Mr. HARMSWORTHAs stated by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in reply to Mr. King on 8th May, 1918, M. Nabokoff is not personally being supported with funds supplied by the British Government. Payments have, however, been made for the upkeep of the Russian Diplomatic, Consular, and other services for dealing with Russian subjects and interests in this country, which it has been important to maintain during the course of the War. M. Nabokoff was the representative of the Provisional Russian Government which was recognised by the Allied Powers in 1917. He is now acting on behalf of the Omsk, Archangel, and Ekaterinodar Governments, with which His Majesty's Government are in direct relations. The answer to the last portion of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIf he represents these Governments, cannot they pay instead of the British taxpayer?