HC Deb 18 November 1919 vol 121 cc346-7
39. Lieut. - Colonel MALONE

asked whether merchant ships (other than British ships) trading to and from Petrograd or other ports held by the Soviet Government have been arrested by British warships; if so, whether His Majesty's Government have now decided to consider the Soviet Republic of Russia as a belligerent State, or, if not, if he will state under what principles of international jurisprudence the commanding officers of these ships receive their authority?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

One Swedish ship sailing from Petrograd was recently intercepted by His Majesty's Naval Forces in the Baltic. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The Allied Naval Forces in the Baltic are applying the measures in question in accordance with instructions which have been issued under the authority of the Supreme Council in Paris, and which, in the opinion of the Allied Governments, are not contrary to any principle of international jurisprudence.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Will my right hon. Friend publish a copy of those instructions, so that shipowners may know what regulations their ships are sailing under?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I think that is more properly a question for the Admiralty. I could not say offhand whether that will be done or not.