§ 34. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the acceptance of the British conditions for the resumption of relations with the Soviet Government, he is satisfied that all prisoners held by the Soviet government will be immediately released unconditionally; whether he can state what is the latest information regarding the officers and men of the Royal Navy captured at Baku; whether, if all our prisoners are released to our satisfaction, we will release all Russian prisoners who may be in our hands unless they are offenders against international law; and whether 2580 the resumption of relations with the Soviet Government is to be understood as involving recognition of their Government?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs regards the first part of the question, the unconditional release of all British prisoners has been accepted by the Soviet Government as one of the conditions of the resumption of trade. As regards the second part, the most recent information received is still very unsatisfactory, but urgent representations have been made to the Soviet Government on this subject. The reply to the third part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the fourth in the negative.
§ Viscount CURZONArising out of that reply and with reference to the naval prisoners at Baku, may I ask did that information come after the announcement made by the right hon. Gentleman yesterday as to the negotiations?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOh, no, nothing so recent as that.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHow is it possible to enter into these negotiations and invite the Soviet Government to conferences without recognising them?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. and gallant Gentleman can probably answer that question as well as I can.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI cannot.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWBut he is probably aware that in similar circumstances we had trading relations with a country a long time after we had ceased to recognise the Government.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHow long is this foolish attitude going to be continued—this extremely foolish and undignified attitude?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI quite recognise that the hon. and gallant Gentleman is an authority on matters that are foolish.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI have been right anyhow?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would point out to the hon. and gallant Gentleman that if he makes interruptions and interjections I shall have to ask him to leave the House. As he is here as a representative, he must behave himself properly.