§ 34. Mr. MILLSasked the Prime Minister upon what grounds of international law a Finnish merchant ship was stopped by naval forces in the Baltic on Sunday last, 31st October, when on a voyage from. Stockholm to Danzig?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI presume this question refers to the s.s. "Ariadne," which was diverted to Danzig on her journey from Copenhagen to Helsingfors, in order that certain Russians might be transferred to one of His Majesty's ships. The circumstances which led to this action were stated in a reply given on 4th November to the hon. Member for Islington East. His Majesty's Government are satisfied that their action was fully justified in order to ensure the release of the British subjects at Baku. No protest has been received from the Finnish Government. I have every confidence that they will realise that the action of His Majesty's Government was well justified.
§ Mr. MILLSThe question I asked related to international law. Can this be justified by international law?
Mr. HARMSWORTHI think so. Perhaps the hon. Member will refer to the previous question which I mentioned in my answer.