§ 58. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the warning 891 issued on 18th June, 1919, by General Smuts, in which he states that the only hope for Russia may be a purified Soviet system as opposed to Tsarism; whether he is aware of the distrust of our present Russian policy felt by large sections of the Allied populations; and whether, in view of the military-defeat of Koltchak and the signature of Peace with our principal enemy, he can hold out any hope of our policy towards Russia being reconsidered?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI have, of course, carefully studied the pronouncement of General Smuts. His Majesty's Government are aware that the policy adopted towards the Soviet Government of Russia has not met with universal approval; but, as regards the third part of the question, it must be pointed out that this policy is one which must be decided by the Allied and Associated Governments acting in concert.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill the hon. Gentleman tell us what General Smuts said about Ireland, and will he consider the advisability of using this statement as a White Paper for the information of new Members of this Parliament?
§ Mr. J. F. GREENMay I ask whether there is any reason for supposing that General Smuts has any special knowledge of Russia, and, if not, why any attention should be paid to a purely hypothetical case by that gentleman?