HC Deb 22 November 1920 vol 135 cc15-6
36. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether British subjects were serving in Baron Wrangle's army; whether any were captured by the Russian Soviet forces; why these men were permitted to join Baron Wrangle; and whether their capture is to be made a reason for not resuming trade with Russia?

The PRIME MINISTER

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge, private or official, of any British subjects fighting in the Crimea up to date, except that on 17th November there were notices in the Press of an interview at Constantinople with a retired Cold stream Guards officer named Treloar, which gives an account of his experiences there. We had no knowledge of his being there?

Colonel LOWTHER

Is there any earthly reason why British private interests should not be allowed to fight for a gallant ally in distress?

The PRIME MINISTER

General Wrangel was not an ally.

Colonel LOWTHER

The Russians were our allies.

The PRIME MINISTER

I stated in my answer that there was only one officer, to my knowledge, there.