§ 46. Mr. R. RICHARDSONasked the Prime Minister whether a statement can now be made as to the progress of the negotiations for opening up trade with Russia in accordance with the Allied decision published on 17th January, 1920?
§ The PRIME MINISTERTwo delegates selected by the representatives of the Russian Co-operative Organisations in London and Paris have been sent to Moscow in order to examine the detailed questions involved in the re-opening of trading relations. They arrived in Moscow on 25th February, and we have been informed that negotiations are proceeding. In addition, the Supreme Council has given permission for certain representatives selected by the Co-operative Organisations in Moscow to come to this country, in order to expedite the transaction of business. It is expected that they will be here very shortly. Until a. report has boon received from the delegates sent to Moscow and preliminary discussions have taken place with the delegates who are being sent from Moscow, it will be premature to make a further statement.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONWho are the trade representatives who are coming here?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan we be assured that passports will as soon as 891 possible be allowed to anyone to go to Russia to trade, and not merely to selected individuals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that great care will have to be exercised.