§ 36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War and Air what duties the British Military and Air Missions are now performing in the Crimea and South Russia; when it 207 is intended to withdraw them; and whether it is expected that their withdrawal will be hastened, as a result of the conversations proceeding between His Majesty's Government and the representatives of the Russian Soviet Government now in London?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. Member to my replies to his question on the 20th April last and to the question put by the hon. Member for Leyton (East) on 3rd June.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to accelerate the withdrawal of these officers, and can he say whether it is quite consistent with the policy laid down by the Government to keep a Military Mission of 300 officers in the Crimea fighting against the rest of the Russian people?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThey are not engaged in combatant duties. Of course, they are playing a part in the reorganisation of the Army. I think the time is not far distant when their work there will be completed, and when an opportunity for withdrawing them will occur.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Air officers are not engaged in combatant duties?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. The Air squadrons with General Denikin have been withdrawn and there are only a few officers employed there, clearing up stores and so on.