§ 2. Mr. JOYNSON - HICKSasked whether an exchange of prisoners, mostly 1906 officers, took place with the Bolshevist forces in May last; and why, when the negotiations were taking place, efforts were not made to exchange other prisoners, some of whom have now been in Bolshevist hands for eight months?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)The answer to the first part, of the lion. Member's question is that, on 26th May, eighteen British subjects reached Finland as the result of;in exchange of prisoners. The party consisted of eight officers, six other ranks, two naval ratings, and two civilians. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure the lion. Member that, every effort has been and is being made to secure the release of the remaining prisoners.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAre we now able to keep in touch with the Bolshevik forces, in order that something may be done for these unfortunate people?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThere is some interruption at the present time, but we hope to proceed with the negotiations.
§ 7. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the French and Americans have been able to get their prisoners in Russian hands 1907 exchanged; if he can give any idea of how many of our men are still in Bolshevist hands; and whether he is aware of any arrangements regarding illness?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHAs regards the first part of the question, as far as I am aware there are still French prisoners of war in Russia who are awaiting exchange; it is also reported that there is still one citizen of the United States in the same position. According to the most recent information available there are fifty-five British naval, military and Air Force prisoners of war, and three civilians. This does not include other British subjects who for a variety of reasons are unable to leave or are prevented from leaving that part of Russia under the Soviet Government. As regards the third part of the hon. Member's question, I am not aware of any special arrangement made regarding illness, though before leaving Moscow, the British Red Cross representatives made arrangements for feeding the prisoners of war and supporting distressed British subjects, which were to be carried out by the British committee in that town.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIs it not a fact that some of our soldiers have been kept there for eight months?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHI could not be sure as to that, but we are doing everything that is possible to secure their release.
§ 25. Mr. RAPERasked the Secretary of State for War whether or not Bolshevik prisoners are allowed to communicate with Bolsheviks who are still at large?
Captain GUEST (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury)No obstacles are placed in the way of Bolshevik prisoners wishing to communicate with individuals in the areas at Archangel and Murmansk occupied by the troops of the North Russian Provisional Government and the Allies, subject to the usual censorship. There is no means of communicating with persons in parts of Russia under Bolshevik control except by wireless. A proposal made by the General Officer Commanding at Arch angel for the regular exchange by wireless of information on the condition of prisoners was left unanswered by the Bolsheviks.
§ Mr. RAPERWhy are Bolshevik prisoners allowed to communicate with their 1908 friends while our men who are prisoners in Russia are not?