HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 c1578
12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the growing anxiety among our Allies, the Esthonians, as to their future status; and what is the Government's policy towards these people?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative.

As regards the second part, I would draw the attention of the hon. Member to the fifth condition attached by the Allied Powers to the continuance of assistance to Admiral Koltchak in which it is stipulated that "if a solution of the relations between Esthonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the Caucasian and Transcaspian territories and Russia is not speedily reached by agreement, the settlement will be made in consultation and co-operation with the League of Nations, and that until such settlement is made the Government of Russia agrees to recognise these territories as autonomous, and to confirm the relations which may exist between their de facto Governments and the Allied and Associated Governments." Meanwhile, the Esthonian National Council in recognised provisionally by His Majesty's Government as a de facto independent Government.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask who represents the hon. Gentleman's Department in Esthonia at the present moment?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to refresh my memory on that.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

It is represented?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

We have some representation.