HC Deb 04 March 1920 vol 126 cc610-1
45. Mr. LYLE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the murder of the members of the staffs of anti-Bolshevik papers, in which Bolshevik troops are reported to be implicated; and whether His Majesty's Government will ask for a special report on this matter, and, if found true, will protest to the Bolshevik Government and will intimate that recognition will be refused to any Government until acts of terrorism are effectively put an end to?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have not seen the report referred to, but I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement, issued by the Supreme Council on February 24th, in which it was declared that "the Allies cannot enter into diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government … until they have arrived at the conviction that Bolshevik horrors have come to an end and that the Government of Moscow is ready to conform its methods, and diplomatic conduct to those of all civilised Governments."

Mr. BILLING

Are we to understand that the Government has definitely decided to recognise Bolshevik rule?

The PRIME MINISTER

My answer is perfectly clear. The Allies are not pre pared to recognise the Bolshevik Government until they are satisfied that these horrors have come to an end.

Mr. BILLING

Is this Government prepared to recognise the men who are responsible for these outrages directly they say they shall cease—Lenin and Trotsky? Are you prepared to recognise them as the leaders of the Russian nation, yes or no?

The PRIME MINISTER

We are not satisfied at present that they have ceased.

Mr. BILLING

In the event of their ceasing, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to do so?

Mr. J. JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to adopt the same conditions with regard to the recognition of the Government of Hungary?

Mr. BILLING

May I ask for a reply?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have explained very fully, not merely by question and answer, but what is much more satisfactory, by discussion in this House, and I do not think I could usefully, in reply to a supplementary question, enter again into the whole of these considerations.