§ 31. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether he can state if any recent news has been received as to the condition of imprisonment now being endured by the officers and men of the Royal Navy in the hands of the Soviet forces at Baku; whether it is possible for their relatives to communicate with them in any way; whether Krassin has been able to do anything or shown any desire to effect the immediate release of these men; and whether he will give a definite assurance that negotiations with the Soviet Government will, under no circumstances, be renewed pending the unconditional and immediate release of these men?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWWe have no further direct information, but we have reason to fear that the condition of these prisoners is still very bad. We sent by wireless a few days ago a formal message on the subject to the Soviet Government, to which we have, so far, received no reply. As already stated, any issue to 1644 the negotiations with M. Krassin is dependent on the immediate and unconditional release of these and other British prisoners.
§ Viscount CURZONHas the right hon. Gentleman reason to think that M. Krassin is making representations to the Soviet Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI understood that M. Krassin went to Moscow for the purpose of putting before the Soviet Government our conditions, of which this is one of the features.