HC Deb 22 November 1920 vol 135 c16
49. Mr. C. WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether information has yet been received from the Soviet Government as to the prisoners still remaining in Russia?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have just received a report that a further party of 59 British subjects in Russia have received their passports, and may come out any day.

Lieut. -Commander KENWORTHY

How many are left?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is very difficult to find out in existing conditions in Russia. It is suspected that there may be a great many more, but there is no definite information on the subject.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is it not a fact that when Odessa was evacuated a number of British subjects insisted on staying behind?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is exactly what we want to find out—whether those British subjects are there of their own free will, or want to come out. We are concerned only with those who want to come out.