HC Deb 14 April 1920 vol 127 cc1667-8
34. Mr. LYLE

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the statement to the effect that two British officers were recently captured by the Bolshevists, brutally tortured, and then murdered; whether this statement has been verified; and if he will inform the House what is the latest information on the subject?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. As regards the last part, urgent inquiries are now being made to ascertain the truth of the statements.

Mr. BILLING

Is the right hon. Baronet aware that the Prime Minister assured the House that it was only on the understanding that these murders and outrages ceased that any negotiations would be entered into at all, and is it proposed to take any action in this matter at all?

Sir A. WILLIAMSON

That is a question for the Prime Minister.

Mr. SHORT

Will the right hon. Baronet explain what these officers were doing in Russia at all?

Forward to