§ Colonel WEDGWOOD (by Private Notice)asked the Leader of the House whether his attention has been called to a statement from Stockholm to the effect that the Entente are preparing naval and military operations against Petrograd based upon Helsingfors; whether there is any basis for the report; whether a British squadron has been ordered to Helsingfors; and whether naval or military operations in co-operation with Finland, or any other counter-revolutionary body, are under discussion?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy attention has been called to this. The first and second parts of the question I believe to be accurate. The third part of the question is not accurate.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre we to understand that the British Government are contemplating naval or military operations against Petrograd, in the teeth of the statement made by the Prime Minister the other day?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThere has been a misunderstanding about this. I thought that the question was going to be addressed to the Foreign Office, and therefore I have not got a detailed reply. The facts are that a squadron of British ships is available, and that no such arrangement as my hon. Friend suggests has been made, and it must be obvious that, if anything of the kind were contemplated, it would be impossible to say anything about it.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDid I understand from my right hon. Friend that there was a basis of truth in the reports that military and naval operations were being prepared?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI meant precisely what I said. A British squadron is there and has been there for a long time, to consider whatever emergency may arise.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay we take it that the British Government will not be committed to an attack upon Petrograd, and will not go on in co-operation with Finland and General Mannheim without this House first being made acquainted with these operations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI could not give such an undertaking, but I can say that no definite proposal of the kind is at present in contemplation.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the methods employed by General Mannheim in putting down the revolution in Finland ought not to be carried on against the Russian revolution with the co-operation of British arms?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am sure that my hon. Friend will see that if it were contemplated by the Government to take such action I could not answer such a question. The fact that I am answering such a question is proof that, at this moment at all events, no such steps are in contemplation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYHas this House no say in these matters?