HC Deb 16 February 1920 vol 125 cc502-3
51. Mr. SWAN

asked the Prime Minister what steps have been taken by the Allies to encourage the Russian border states to make peace with Soviet Russia?

Mr. BONAR LAW (Leader of the House)

His Majesty's Government have informed the Baltic States, Finland and Poland that the question of peace or war with Soviet Russia is one which they must decide according to their own judgment and on their own responsibility.

Mr. BILLING

May we take it that there is no pressure being brought to bear upon anybody to make the peace referred to?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The answer says that we are taking no responsibility in the matter one way or the other.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Does my right hon. Friend think that we shall be able to maintain a position of absolute detachment whatever these Powers do?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The future must take care of itself. We are only dealing with the present. The policy of the Government in this respect has been very often and clearly put before the House.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Are we to understand that if they do not make peace we shall not be made responsible for defending them in case the War continues?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is a problematical and hypothetical question, and I will answer it when the occasion arises.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is it not very serious that we should be committed to defending these people if they do not make peace without any advice on our part to make peace?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It might be serious, but how does my hon. and gallant Friend know that we are so doing?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

We are asking you.