HC Deb 20 November 1919 vol 121 cc1109-10
48. Mr. RARER

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of a prompt settlement of the Russian question and the delay which will be incurred if we waited for this matter to be dealt with by the League of Nations, he was prepared to take the initiative in calling an Inter-Allied Conference to consider and, if possible, to settle the Russian question?

75. Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

asked the Prime Minister when the International Conference which was to discuss the question of Russia would take place; what Powers or de facto Governments would be represented; and what would be the terms of reference to this Conference?

The PRIME MINISTER

A Conference is to be held of the Allied and Associated. Powers, but the date is not yet fixed. I can make no further statement.

Mr. RAPER

May I ask where the Conference will be held?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not; settled. I was hoping it would be held in London. That is one of the subjects for discussion.

Mr. BILLING

Are we to assume that the Conference is as to whether we shall recognise the Soviet Government?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not in the question. The reference is to Allied and Associated Governments.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that it is not the policy, and never will be the policy, of the Government to recognise the Soviet Government?

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Are we to assume that it has not yet been decided what factions of Russia will be called to the Conference?

The PRIME MINISTER

There is another question in reference to that later on.

49. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prime Minister whether he would consider the advisability of inviting to a conference representatives of the so called border States, formerly appertaining to the Russian Empire, namely, Finland, Esthonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Bessarabia, Don, Kuban, and the Caucasian Republics, as well as representatives of General Denikin, with a view to their endeavouring to compose territorial, political, and economic differences on federative lines?

The PRIME MINISTER

This, no doubt, will be considered amongst other suggestions at the Inter-Allied Conference.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the Ukraine also be included in this list?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am referring only to the list on the Paper.