10. Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Mr. Keeling, who was imprisoned by the Soviet Government for his disclosures of the atrocities committed in Russia, was excluded from the British prisoners whose exchange was recently arranged; if so, on what grounds the exception was made; if he will state whether Mr. Keeling is still kept in Russia against his will; and what action the Government proposes to take to secure his release?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)No exceptions were made to the agreement for the exchange of prisoners, but the Soviet Government reserved the right of detaining prisoners who were regarded by that Government as having committed grave offences. Negotiations are at present being carried on for the release of all British subjects in Russia, and His Majesty's Government hope that they will all have left that country before the end of May.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOAREWill the Government make special representations in regard to the case of Mr. Keeling? There is a great deal of feeling about it.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHI have great sympathy with the views expressed by my hon. and gallant Friend. I can assure him that everything has been done to secure that all prisoners are released.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHI do not think any reason has been given except that the Soviet Government has reserved the right to retain certain people whom they charged with grave offences.
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThe matter is under negotiation. I hope all prisoners will be free before the end of May.