2. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any authentic information regarding an alliance said to have been concluded between the Soviet Government of Russia and the Government of Khiva; and whether he can say what Government is in power in Khiva at the present time?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)I have been asked to reply. His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any such alliance as indicated by the hon. Member.
As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, Khiva was a part of the former Russian Empire. It is understood that the capital was in the hands of the local Khan, who was in active hostilities against the Bolsheviks as late as the middle of last February, since when no definite news has been received as to the form of Government at that place.