HC Deb 12 July 1920 vol 131 cc1949-52
Mr. GEORGE THORNE (by Private Notice)

asked the Leader of the House whether a reply has been received from the Russian Soviet Government to the statement by the British Government of the conditions as to the resumption of trade; and whether any steps have been taken with a view to the termination of hostilities between the Soviet Govern ment and Poland?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, I put in a Private Notice Question on the same matter, and I should like to ask on what ground Private Notice Questions are selected for reply. This is the second occasion in which the Labour party have put in a Private Notice Question, and the second time in which the position has been taken by the Leader of the Opposition. May I ask your ruling as to whether the time of handing in these questions has anything to do with the order in which they are called?

Mr. SPEAKER

It is quite fortuitous. I had a bundle of these Private Notice Questions, and I happened to pick out first the one standing in the name of the hon. Gentleman (Mr. G. Thorne).

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, Sir. The Soviet Government have accepted the conditions laid 'down by the British Government, and an understanding has, therefore, been reached as to the principles on which a trade agreement will be negotiated. As regards the second part of the Question, the British Government, after consultation and, I understand, in agreement with our Allies, has made a proposal to the Soviet Government for an immediate armistice between Russia and Poland on equitable terms, to be followed by a conference to negotiate peace between Russia and the bordering States.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Why should this not have been done when the Poles first attacked?

Captain S. WILSON

Is the House to understand that negotiations are now proceeding between our Government and the Soviet Government? [An HON. MEMBER:" They have been proceeding for months!"]

Mr. BONAR LAW

In respect to the first question, the reasons were given in Debate, and I can hardly hope to convince the hon. and gallant Gentleman in answer to the question. With respect to the second question, the House knows, and my hon. and gallant Friend knows, that we have started trade negotiations, and they will now be continued.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Are we to understand that our men are still prisoners in Russia?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, but their release is one of the conditions of the reopening of trade.

Colonel GRETTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman state to the House the terms that have been agreed to; or, if he cannot do that in an answer, will he lay Papers immediately?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes, I think it is quite right that the exact terms should be laid before the House. But as a matter of fact, in the message dealing with the question of the Armistice, the trading negotiations were also dealt with, and naturally it would not be right to publish the terms of that message until it has been received by both the Polish and the Russian Governments. I hope, therefore, the House will wait for a few days.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

Has the right hon. Gentleman noted in the Press this morning that there is a very full statement of these terms, and can he tell the House whether or not that statement is accurate?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not had the actual terms in my hands, and therefore I cannot say. But it was distinctly arranged with the Allies that the terms were not to be published until they had been considered by the Polish and Russian Governments.

Captain W. BENN

Has the British Government threatened to send a military force in the event of non-compliance by the Russian Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it would be right to expect me to give any particulars—

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Why not; if it mean a new war we ought to know?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is an attempt to end the old war. I think it would only be reasonable that the House should wait for the particulars.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot make a statement further, are we to understand that the statement he has just made involves the recognition of the Soviet Government by our Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, Sir, it does not.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Of course it does.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

It does not!

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I now put my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

I thought the hon. and gallant Member complained that his question had already been asked?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Yes; it has been asked by supplementary question, but I think I have a right to put that question again. I wish to ask whether a Note has been sent to the Soviet Government threatening that, if Russia declines the Armistice with Poland, the Allies will defend Poland with all their resources?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I have just given.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I desire to move the Adjournment of the House—

Mr. BONAR LAW

May I ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman to wait until he is sure that the Soviet Government does not approve of this policy?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I think it is very desirable that we should have this matter discussed, because, as I understand it, the Polish troops are to retire within the Polish borders, and we do not quite know what are the Polish borders. In any case, I trust that no British soldiers will be sent to keep Eastern Galicia within the Polish borders.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Members is anticipating the speech which he expects to make at 8.15.

At the end of Questions

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "the sending of a Note to the Russian Government threatening them with war if they invade Poland."

The pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and fewer than 40 Members having accordingly risen, the House proceeded to the Orders of the day.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

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