§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now state if the men of the Russian legion who had fought by the side of the Allies on the Western Front were transported some three months ago to Join the forces of General Denikin, K.C.B.; whether they refused to fight against the Red Army; and whether they were then surrounded by General Denikin's volunteers and shot?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLIn answer to the first part of the question, about 500 officers and men, who volunteered for service under General Denikin, were sent to join him. As regards the second and last parts of the question, the Chief of the British Military Mission, who has just returned from South Russia, states that these reports are without foundation. I am informed, however, that a number of Russians who had joined the Volunteer Army subsequently deserted from the front line in the face of the enemy, and that these men were fired upon by the troops on their right and left and sustained heavy losses before they reached the Bolshevik lines.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhere are the remainder of the Russian Legion reported in France?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is not in the question.