33. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the number of British residents who are now imprisoned or detained in Russia by the Bolshevist Government; what representations have been made to that Government with regard to the treat- 855 ment and safety of British citizens; and whether any, and, if so, what response has been received to such representations?
Mr. HARMSWORTHThe answer to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is that some eight British subjects are understood to be at present imprisoned by the Russian Bolshevik Government. The exact number of British subjects detained is uncertain, but it is not believed to be very large.
As regards the second and third parts of the question, the Russian Bolshevik Government have been informed that the Bolshevik leaders will be held personally responsible for the maltreatment of any British prisoners in their hands. To this the Bolshevik Commissary for Foreign Affairs, M. Tchicherine, has replied denying that these prisoners are being in any way maltreated by the Russian Bolshevik Government.