§ 38. Major BARNETTasked the Prime Minister whether it will be made a condition precedent of any resumption of trade between this country and Russia that the English officials of the British oil companies at Baku shall receive full compensation for the loss and suffering entailed by their recent imprisonment; that the properties of the shareholders shall be returned to them intact; and that the oil stolen from their reservoirs shall be paid for?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe issues raised will certainly be considered when the question of including a formal peace with Russia comes to be negotiated. I may point out further that Baku is situated in Azerbaijan, which claims to be an independent Soviet Republic.
§ Major BARNETTIs my right hon. Friend aware that the 11th Soviet Army Corps occupied Baku on 27th April, and is in occupation of it to-day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, I am not aware of it.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWe have an army of occupation in Ireland.