HC Deb 25 March 1919 vol 114 cc191-2
2. Sir S. HOARE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement as to the state of affairs in the Ukraine?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

The present situation in Ukraine is too obscure to enable me to give the hon. and gallant Member any very definite information on this subject. The Government of Petlyura is, however, reported to have collapsed before the forces of the Russian Bolshevik Govern- ment, who have advanced in certain sectors. There is no immediate danger to Odessa, and there is no intention of evacuating the town. So far as the Allied forces are concerned, they are under the control of the French command, who are taking the necessary measures to deal with the situation.

Sir S. HOARE

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of sending a Political Commissioner in addition to the Military Commissioner who is already at Constantinople?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I will consider it.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are there any British soldiers there?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I should like notice of that question.