HC Deb 08 July 1919 vol 117 cc1571-2
1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the pogroms against the Jews in the Ukraine instigated and conducted by the counter-revolutionary troops, and in particular by those under the command of Grigorieff; is this Grigorieff receiving any support from the Allies; and what steps it is proposed to take to have these outrages stopped?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

Reports have been received that many Jews have lost their lives in the course of the operations which have been proceeding between the forces of the Russian Soviet Government and the forces under the command of the Ukrainian leader Grigorieff, who is stated to be strongly anti-Jewish in his sympathies.

The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

As regards the last part, His Majesty's Government are not in a position to take any steps as there are at present no Allied troops in the area in which Grigorieff is operating.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask what Grigorieff's relations are with General Denikin and the other counter-revolutionary leaders in the South of Russia?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I should require notice of that question.

52. Mr. LUNN

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give any information as to Gregorieff's activities in South Russia; whether he has carried out wholesale depredations and massacres; whether he has instituted pogroms against the Jews and in many places wiped out the whole Jewish population; whether the British Government are now giving him financial, moral, or other assistance; and, if so, what is the precise nature of that assistance?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

According to a wireless message received through Berlin from Odessa, the Ukrainian Chief Grigorieff has recently announced the capture of Odessa by his forces from the forces of the Russian Soviet Government. As regards the second and third parts of the hon. Member's question, little reliable information has been received, although Grigorieff is reported to be strongly anti-Jewish in his sympathies. The answer to the fourth part of the question is in the negative. The fifth does not, accordingly, arise.