HC Deb 04 March 1920 vol 126 cc609-10
39. Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

asked the Prime Minister whether the Supreme Council have taken any steps to prevent the armies of General Denikin from molesting the small republics in which his forces are situated; and, if not, will he take early steps to put forward recommendations that General Denikin's army should evacuate the territory of the Kuban republic where they are causing distress to the population?

The PRIME MINISTER

General Denikin has recognised Georgia and Azerbaijan and there is no reason to anticipate that he will not act in accordance with this recognition. If, however, the question refers to other areas they should be more precisely specified. With regard to the second part of the question, His Majesty's Government have no information that the population of the Kuban desire the evacuation of General Denikin's army. On the contrary, they seem to be supporting him in the struggle.

Lieut.-Colonel MALONE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in answer to Question 15 the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs stated that they were in revolt against General Denikin's army?

Captain REDMOND

Am I to gather from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that ho would take into consideration the wishes of the population of the Kuban in regard to the withdrawal of the army of occupation?