§ 1. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Notes have been addressed to the German Government by the Supreme Allied Council on the subject of German troops in the Baltic provinces of Russia; what steps have been taken to enforce the Allied demands for their withdrawal; and whether a blockade of the German coast was declared in connection with this matter; whether this blockade has been raised; and is it intended to carry on a form of blockade of Soviet Russia without German co-operation and moral support?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)Since the beginning of June this year six Notes have been addressed to the German Government by the Supreme Council, with reference to German troops in the Baltic States.
The pressure which is being brought on the German Government in this connection is of two kinds. In the first place, the discussion of arrangements for the supply of food-stuffs to Germany has been suspended, and permission is being refused for financial transactions for that purpose. In the second place, all free sailings of German ships in the Baltic have been suspended. These naval measures do not apply to German fisheries and coastal trade. No blockade of the German coasts has been declared, or is being enforced.
478 As regards the last part of the question, the Supreme Council have not yet had before them the question whether the measures which are being taken to prevent trade with Soviet Russia should be made conditional on German co-operation or support.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that these German troops with their loyal Russian collaborateurs have already killed nine British sailors by gunfire, and is more rigid action to insist on their withdrawal in. contemplation?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThat question scarcely arises out of this question. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman has any special information I should be glad to receive it.