HC Deb 04 November 1919 vol 120 cc1290-1
44. Mr. CHARLES EDWARDS

asked the Secretary of State for War what had been done with those Russian officers who were imprisoned at Newmarket for insubordination; whether these men and their wives were still in prison in this country, or whether they were forcibly sent to Russia to fight in armies with whose policy they did not agree; whether any Russian officers were still being trained at Newmarket or elsewhere; how many drafts had been sent to Russia; and the total number of persons in same, and the cost up to date of this undertaking?

Mr. CHURCHILL

All the Russian officers lately training at Newmarket have been sent back to Russia or will be dispatched thither by the first available ship. None is pressed to join the anti-Bolshevik armies against his will. The total number concerned is approximately 1,200.

Mr. EDWARDS

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what became of those who were imprisoned?

Mr. CHURCHILL

They have gone back to Russia.