§ 22. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Report of the British mission to Poland to investigate the pogroms against the Jews has been received: and when will it be available for the use of hon. Members?
§ The ADDITIONAL UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lieut.-Colonel Sir Hamar Greenwood)The reply to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative. I am therefore unable to say how soon this report will be available for the use of hon. Members.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that these people went out to inquire some six months ago, and is the report still not available?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs this the usual way that the Foreign Office conducts its business?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThe Foreign Office is not making an inquiry.
§ 36. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government is committed in any way to the support of Poland with men, money, or ammunition if parts of Russia, such as Dwinsk, now occupied by the Polish armies, are attacked by the Bolshevik troops; and, if so, whether any steps are being taken to prevent such an emergency by advice or instructions urging the evacuation of Russian territory by the Polish armies and the cessation of raids into Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Lloyd George)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The second part does not, therefore, arise.
§ 64. Mr. SPOORasked the Prime Minister whether any steps were taken by the Allies to prevent the attack by the Poles on Soviet Russia, culminating in the capture of Dvinsk about the 5th January; whether the Allies, singly or collectively, have sent money or supplies to Poland; and whether His Majesty's Government will issue a public declaration that it is opposed to any attempt by Poland to renew active hostilities against Soviet Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERHis Majesty's Government have, made it clear that they do not encourage and cannot support by men, money or material, an offensive by Polish troops into Russian territory.
§ 65. Mr. SPOORasked whether aid, financial or otherwise, is still being given to any Russian army or organisations whose aim is to overthrow the Soviet system?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer is in the negative, with the sole exception that His Majesty's Government will continue, as far as circumstances permit, to fulfill the remainder of the obligation towards General Denikin which they announced to the House during the Autumn Session.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAre we sending supplies and money to General Denikin at the present moment?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn accordance with the statement I made to the House they are being sent up to the 31st March.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes that mean that they will be for the benefit of Bolsheviks?
§ Colonel J. WARDDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the act of international treachery in the surrender of Admiral Koltchak to his enemies and executioners is quite enough punishment for the loyal Russians who fought by our side during the War?
§ Mr. SPEAKERColonel Malone.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI called upon the hon. Member to ask Question 66.
67. Lieut.-Colonel MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he has any information concerning the relations of Poland and the Russian Soviet Government; and whether His Majesty's Government are using every effort to bring about peace between those countries?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn regard to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question my information is to the effect that an offer of peace has been made by the Russian Soviet Government to the Polish Government and that it is being considered by the latter; as regards the; second part, the question of peace or war with Soviet Russia is one which Poland must decide for itself.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Polish Government stated that they were going to consult the Allies before replying? What is our attitude?