HC Deb 15 July 1920 vol 131 cc2580-2
40. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the suggestion has been made by His Majesty's Government that the Polish troops shall fall back to a line laid down by the Allies as the Eastern Frontier of Poland, and that the Russian troops shall fall back 50 kilometres to the east of this line; what guarantees against renewed attacks have been offered to the Russian Government; whether the proposed armistice terms have yet been accepted; and whether this intervention constitutes de facto and de jure recognition of the present Russian Government?

49. Mr. PALMER

asked the Prime Minister whether he can inform the House of the terms of the communication made to the Russian Government concerning the suggested Armistice with Poland; whether, failing the acquiescence of the Soviet authorities, any alternative to an Armistice has been suggested; and whether this alternative has been presented in the name of the Allies as distinct from the British Government?

58. Mr. LEONARD LYLE

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Russian authorities have accepted the conditions put forward by the British Government as a basis for negotiations with regard to trade; what these conditions are; whether a Soviet delegation is to be sent to this country to deal with political questions in addition, or whether any suggestion to that end has been put forward by the Soviet authorities; what is the point of view of the British Government on this aspect of the matter; and what is the estimated amount of the British commercial claims against the Soviet Government?

60. Captain W. BENN

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the proposals for an Armistice with Russia include the hostilities at present being carried on by General Wrangel?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot add anything to the very full statement which I made yesterday.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

May I have an answer to the second part of my question as to what guarantees against renewed attacks have been offered to the Russian Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is true that that was not specifically answered, but it is obviously a question that I cannot answer.

Mr. PALMER

May I have an answer to the last part of my question? Is it not a fact that yesterday it was stated that the message was sent with the knowledge and approval of our Allies, and are they taking joint responsibility if we have to go to war with Russia, and will they help us if there is a new war?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As I understand it, they are acting entirely with us in this matter.

Captain BENN

How can you extract a pledge on which you intend to rely from a Government which you do not recognise?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That is one of the difficulties.

Mr. LYLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what were the conditions?

Mr. BONAR LAW

They were contained in the reply which I gave yesterday.