§ 20. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to statements to the effect that an Italian cruiser has called at Novorissisk for the purpose of opening up commercial and diplomatic relations with the Soviet Government of Russia; whether a representative of the Russian Soviet Government has been to San Remo; and whether the policy of His Majesty's Government towards the Soviet Government remains unchanged?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Cecil Harmsworth)I understand that it is a fact that an Italian vessel proceeded from Poti to Novorossisk for the purpose of establishing more satisfactory wireless communication with Russia, but had no instructions to open relations with the Soviet Government. The answer to the second part of the question is in the 1684 negative, and to the last part in the affirmative.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes this simply mean that we are trying to reopen trade relations, and not continue a half war against Russia as at present?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHThe hon. and gallant Gentleman knows well what is the policy of His Majesty's Government and of the Allies.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that a Russian named Wodosov was at San Remo representing the Russian Government?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Gentleman has had an answer in the negative.
§ Viscount CURZONHas the hon. Gentleman received information that the Italian cruiser was fired on in the same way as the "Empress of India"?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHNo; that information has not reached me.