§ 37. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 839 a Report was made to the War Office that Captain W. R. Freshfield and a brother officer serving in Southern Russia were missing and supposed to have been killed near Rostov; whether full inquiries have been made by the Government as to the whereabouts or fate of these two officers; whether he is aware that a private telegram addressed to M. Tchicherin, the Bolshevist Minister for Foreign Affairs, begging him to get true information about the fate of Captain Freshfield, said to have been killed at Rostov on 7th December ultimo, was, by direction of the Foreign Office, held up on the grounds that by inter-Allied agreement no radiograms of a private character were to be sent; and whether, in the event of the reply being in the affirmative, steps will be taken for the replacement of the Foreign Office official responsible by one who is able to give an intelligent interpretation to a regulation or agreement of this character?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative.
As regards the third part of the question the facts are incorrectly stated, and the fourth part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ Lieut.-Colonel JAMESWill the right hon. gentleman give facilities to the relatives and friends of these officers to send telegrams to Russia, in order that they may get information, if possible?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am making inquiries on the matter. I believe the Government have themselves sent messages on the subject.