HC Deb 28 July 1919 vol 118 cc1801-2
66. Sir DONALD MACLEA

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement with regard to the position of the British forces in North Russia.?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I understand that the subject is to be raised in Debate to-morrow, and that will be a better opportunity than the answer to a question for a statement on the part of the Government.

Captain W. BENN

Will the right hon. Gentleman wee that an Estimate of our expenses in Russia is issued in time for the Debate tomorrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is quite impossible for such a statement to be prepared.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the Secretary for War start the Debate to-morrow?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Churchill)

I thought I would first hear some of the criticisms.

Mr. HOGGE

If the Prime Minister says to-morrow affords a better opportunity of making the statement, can we have it before the Debate commences?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The policy of the Government has already been very clearly stated on the subject.

Lord R. CECIL

Cannot some information as to the amount of assistance given to General Denikin be afforded to the House before it meets to-morrow?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it would be possible. My Noble Friend will know that the House has already been in-formed of the exact scope of what we arc doing in Russia. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"] Yes, it has, but any further details that can be given shall be supplied to-morrow. I trust that, so far as North Russia is concerned, the House will extend the same indulgence to the military operations there as it has done in other cases where operations have been in progress.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Bullitt and his companions have gone on another mission to Bolshevik Russia?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have more that once stated that we have nothing to do with these men, and know nothing about them.

Captain W. BENN

If not by to-morrow, can we later on have some estimate of the cost of our operations in Russia?

Mr. BONAR LAW

My right hon, Friend has, I think, promised it, but to extract the accounts is a matter of very considerable difficulty.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two Americans mentioned have nothing to do with the United States Government?