HC Deb 06 November 1919 vol 120 cc1649-50
3. Major Earl WINTERTON

asked why passports are being issued to Bolshevist Russia, in view of the fact that the British Fleet has been bombarding Bolshevist forts?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Before the hon. and gallant Gentleman answers this question, may I ask if any applications for passports to serve against the Bolshevists have been received at the Foreign Office from any hon. and gallant Members of this House?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

Captain GUEST

I am not aware of any case in which a passport has been granted for parts of Russia under Bolshevist rule.

Colonel GUINNESS

Are we to understand that the hon. and gallant Member for East Leyton went to Russia without any passport?

Captain GUEST

I expected a question like that. The facts are as follows: A passport was issued to the hon. Member to Esthonia. What happened after that we have no knowledge.

Colonel GUINNESS

Is there not the same objection to British subjects having relations or conducting negotiations with the Bolsheviks as applied during the War to British subjects negotiating or having communications with our enemies in Germany?

Captain GUEST

The Debate in the House of Commons last evening gave some indication of the feeling of the House.

Mr. BILLING

Is it proposed, having regard to what has occurred, to take any action in the matter, seeing that the hon. Member was fraternising with the enemies of this country?

Colonel MALONE

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman (Colonel Guest) ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he remembers our conference on the 2nd September on this matter?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Why don't you go and fight, Billing?

Mr. BILLING

I can find traitors in this House to fight at the moment.

Mr. SPEAKER

We are here to hear questions and replies from Ministers, and not personal altercations.