§ 72. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Secretary of State for War what is being done in regard to English soldiers who are taken prisoners by the Bolshevist forces in Russia; whether there is any means of communicating with them or getting information from them; and what treatment are they receiving?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the hon. Member's question is that negotiations are still in progress, as a result of which it is hoped to secure the release of all British prisoners of war still in the hands of the Soviet Government. It is unfortunately no longer possible to communicate with them or to receive information from them. I have no information about the treatment they are at present receiving.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSMay I ask how many there are, and whether the Foreign Office is taking prompt steps to secure their release?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI cannot give the exact number, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we are taking every possible step necessary.
Lieut.-Colonel THORNEIf it is impossible to get into communication with people in Russia, can we rely on information supplied through the newspapers as to what is going on in Russia?
§ Mr. DEVLINWhy not let the Russian people mind their own business?
§ Mr. RAPERWill the hon. Gentleman allow the Bolsheviks to communicate with their prisoners whom we hold?