HC Deb 16 November 1920 vol 134 cc1667-9
9. Mr. RAPER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether M. Kryssin, one of the three directors of the All-Russian Co-operative Society, who has been domiciled in the United Kingdom for some years, is identical with the Basil A. Kryssin, who was formerly associated with Litvinoff and was put under arrest in September, 1918, for reasons similar to those which led to M. Litvinoff's deportation?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The answer is in the affirmative.

Mr. RAPER

May I ask my hon. Friend whether, in view of the fact that his answer is in the affirmative, it is the policy of the Government to allow what is more or less a propaganda bureau to be run by a notorious Communist in this country?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot accept that description.

Mr. RAPER

Is it not a fact that this bureau was started by Glichko, that the second director, M. Rosovsky, who has been sent back, is a notorious Communist, and that the other director is a woman associated with Rosovsky?

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker, is it usual in the practice of this House to attack members attached to a foreign mission who are enjoying the hospitality of his Majesty's Government?

Mr. SPEAKER

It depends on the conduct of the particular persons in question, and how far His Majesty's Government will enter into negotiations with them. If that be so—I am not quite certain whether it is—surely it is not improper to ask as to the activities which those persons are carrying on.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it open to hon. Members of this House to attack members of any foreign mission of any country?

Mr. HOGGE

Is it not a fact that the other member of this mission, M. Kameneff, was sent back because of certain events which transpired, but that the Government approved of M. Kryssin, and therefore the point does not arise?

Mr. SPEAKER

I really do not know. That question should be addressed to the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs.

Licut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Is it not a fact that this mission is entirely unrecognised, and that therefore it has no official position?

Mr. LEONARD LYLE

Is it not more praiseworthy to attack foreign Communists than the Government of your own country?