33. Mr. MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Czarist leader, General Wrangel, and his chief of the staff were officially received on board H.M.S. "Ramillies" on 19th August; what was the object of this official recognition; and, in view of the Government's repeated denials that British support is extended to General Wrangel, will he issue, orders that local representatives of either the War Office or Admiralty are to carry out the policy declared in the House of Commons?
§ Sir A. SHIRLEY BENNBefore this question is answered, may I ask if any hon. Member of this House has a right to state in a question that General Wrangel is a "Czarist leader"?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf my attention had been previously called to the words, I should probably have struck them out. They must be taken only as the opinion of the hon. Member (Mr. Malone).
§ Mr. DENNIS HERBERTIs it not the rule that Members putting down questions make themselves responsible for allegations such as this?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask if the adjective "Czarist" is supposed in this House to be derogatory?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not know that it is derogatory: it is said to be untrue.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Colonel Sir James Craig)General Wrangel and his Chief of Staff were not officially received on board H.M.S. "Ramillies" on the 19th August, but General Wrangel was entertained as a private guest by the officer commanding, who had know him when he was Naval Attaché at Petrograd before the War.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWere the members of the Military Commission lately with General Wrangel present at this banquet?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI do not know that it could be described as a banquet. I think it was a private dinner given by the commanding officer of the ship. I have no further information.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYArising out of my question last week, has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiry whether the members of the Military Commission were present at this meal?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe question last week was on all-fours with this question, which does hot ask for further information, and therefore I have obtained none.
§ Mr. DEVLINWill General Wrangel be placed in charge of the Special Constabulary now being called into existence in Ulster?