§ 39. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister how the Soviet delegation to this country is composed; whether any further news has come through with regard to our officers and men retained as prisoners at Baku; whether the Government have any information as to whether Bolshevik money is being spent in revolutionary interests in Great Britain and, if so, what steps are being taken to deal with it and with those who are responsible; and whether it is proposed to continue negotiations irrespective of the Polish question while such a state of affairs exists?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Soviet delegation is composed of Messrs. Krassin, Nogin and Rozovsky for trade negotiations; Messrs. Kameneff and Milutin for political questions arising out of trade negotiations; M. Klishko, secretary; eight technical advisers and six secretarial staff.
The most recent information received goes to show that the British prisoners in Baku, including Mr. Hewelcke, are now receiving better treatment. His Majesty's representative at Tiflis telegraphed on 31st July that letters, parcels and money were being sent to the prisoners by a Bolshevik courier. I understand that British women and children in Baku have not been molested, and they have been allowed to look after their male relations in prison.
In answer to the third part of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by the Home Secretary on the 3rd August.