§ 1. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position in Siberia; what government or form of government is in power; what is the situation at Vladivostok; whether there is a British representative at Vladivostok; and what are his relationships with the government in power at Vladivostok?
§ The ADDITIONAL PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Kellaway)The answer to the first part of the question is that, owing to the fact that British representatives in Siberia have now been withdrawn to Vladivostok, no adequate reports on the state of affairs in 1496 the interior of Siberia have been received. It appears, however, that the Bolsheviks are in control of the whole country, with the exception of Chita, Vladivostok, and a few other posts along the Siberian railway.
The answer to the second and third parts of the question is that until recently a Zemstov Government was in control at Vladivostok, and, so far as can be ascertained, the greater part of the country is under the control of local Soviets.
The answer to the fourth part of the question is that His Majesty's Consul-General at Vladivostok is still at his post.
The answer to the fifth part of the question is that His Majesty's Government have not recognised any Russian Government, either at Vladivostok or elsewhere, and the relations of the Consul-General with the local authorities are therefore of an unofficial nature.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs there any information as to the Japanese having set up a Government at Vladivostok and displaced the Zemstov Government?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThere are reports of something of that character, but there is nothing definite enough to enable me to make a statement.