HC Deb 15 June 1920 vol 130 cc1052-4
4. Mr. ROBERT RICHARDSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the progress of negotiations for an armistice between the Russian forces and those of General Wrangel; and whether the British representative with whose assistance the negotiations are to be carried on is controlled by the War Office or the Foreign Office?

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)

The reply to the first part of the question is that the negotiations have fallen through on account of the offensive recently launched by General Wrangel. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. RICHARDSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that every shade of political opinion in Russia believes that we are backing up Poland to their detriment?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

This is a question as to the Crimea. My hon. Friend's supposition is entirely unfounded.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

Did not general Wrangel give himself unreservedly into our hands in these negotiations, as was stated here?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

He did so at one time, certainly.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

How is it he is now fighting?

5. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that General Wrangel destroyed the waterworks and electric generating stations at Tsaritsin before evacuating the city; and whether any protest was made by the British officers assisting General Wrangel against this act of wanton destruction?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I have no information on this subject beyond the statement made in the Moscow Wireless Report.

30. Mr. MALONE

asked the Secretary of State for War how many demobilised officers and men of the Army and Air Force are serving with General Wrangel in the Crimea and with the Polish forces in the Russian territory occupied by Poland?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I am not aware that any demobilised British officers are serving either with the forces of General Wrangel or with the Polish forces. The War Office or Air Ministry, however, do not keep count of the movements of officers after demobilisation.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. HALL

If the hon. Gentleman is so desirous of helping, why does he not join Wrangel?

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Why do not you join?