§ 13. Mr. RAPERasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of negotiations in respect of the demanded release of the British prisoners in Baku?
Mr. HARMSWORTHFrom the notes exchanged between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government on the subject of releasing the British subjects in Russia, including the prisoners at Baku, which the hon. Member will have seen, the Soviet Government has agreed on immediate and general exchange. In accordance therefore with His Majesty's Government's note of 9th October, arrangements are being made to hasten the repatriation from Great Britain, Egypt and elsewhere of the Russians whose return the Soviet Government desires. His Majesty's Representative at Tiflis has been instructed to establish contact with the Soviet Representative who has been charged to arrange the necessary details of the release of all British subjects at Baku, but though a report from His Majesty's Representative at Tiflis is expected at any moment it has not yet reached me.
§ 50. Commander Viscount CURZONasked what is the present position with reference to the British officers, men, and civilians held prisoner in Russia by the Soviet Government; and whether it is proposed to allow Krassin and the personnel of the Russian trade and other delegations to remain in this country unless the release of these prisoners is immediately effected?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINIn the note of October 13th, from the Soviet Government, it is stated that the evacuation of all British subjects is to be carried out without delay in exchange for the Russians in Great Britain, Egypt, and elsewhere, who wish to return to Soviet Russia. His Majesty's Government assumes that the Soviet Government will carry out these assurances, and are therefore taking all measures for the prompt despatch of the Russians in question. The suggestion contained in the second part of the hon. and Noble Member's question does not therefore immediately arise.
§ Viscount CURZONHas the right hon. Gentleman any information as to the present conditions of captivity of these officers and men? Are they still in close confinement or not?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAnswering questions for somebody else, I cannot deal with supplementary questions of this kind. If my hon. Friend puts down a question he will get an answer.