§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a blockade of the Russian shores of the Black Sea has been established; whether it is intended to hamper or harass peaceable merchant shipping proceeding to and from Russian ports; whether arms could be prevented from reaching the army of Mustapha Kemal Pasha by sea by a blockade of the northern coast of Turkey-in-Asia; and whether, in any case, there is direct communication already between Moscow and the adherents of Mastapha Kemal Pasha by way of Azerbaijan and Armenia?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the negative. Doubtless arms could be prevented from reaching Mustapha Kemal Pasha by means of a blockade. As regards the last part of the question, it is very possible that there is direct communication between Moscow and the adherents of Mustapha Kemal Pasha by way of Azerbaijan and Armenia.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that the statement appearing in all the newspapers that a blockade has been established for the purpose of preventing traffic in arms are incorrect and that we are not taking any steps to stop arms going to Mustapha Kemel?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI have not had time to consider this question lately, and I am not in a position to give him the informa- 1872 tion that he requires. If he wishes to have any further information I shall be glad to obtain it for him.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I have an answer to that part of my question as to whether the northern coast of Turkey-in-Asia is being blockaded in order to prevent arms getting to Mustapha Kemel? Is peaceful shipping in the Black Sea being interfered with?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must understand that I place so much importance to his questions that I wish to be most punctilious in my answers. I do not think it would be fair to reply to delicate questions of that kind in answer to a supplementary question.