HC Deb 28 July 1919 vol 118 cc1800-1
29. Mr. RAPER

asked whether or not 320,000,000 roubles was paid in gold by the Bolsheviks to Germany under the Brest-Litovsk Treaty; whether this gold was subsequently deposited in the Bank of France for account of the Allies; and if, now that General Koltchak has been recognised by the Allies, a certain amount of this money will be placed at the disposal of Generals Koltchak and Denikin to enable them to purchase necessary supplies?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Since my hon. Friend asked a question on this subject on 16th July, I have made inquiries in Paris, and I am now in a position to answer the first and second parts of the present question in the affirmative. It is incorrect to describe Admiral Koltchaks Government as having been formally recognised by the Allies, and the answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. RAPER

Is it not a fact that General Koltchak is recognised by the Allies?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

My hon. Friend knows that the word "recognition" has a certain technical meaning. I cannot go into that matter now.

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