§ 52. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister what is the present position with reference to the British officers, men and civilians held prisoner in 1314 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?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThis question was answered on Thursday last and. appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT of that date.
§ Viscount CURZONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he has any more recent information, and whether he can tell us whether the Russian trade delegation is to remain hero indefinitely, while our prisoners are detained?
§ Mr. BILLINGIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman himself stated in this House three months ago that no negotiations of any description would take place with Russia until these men were released, and that that was cheered to the echo in this House, and has he broken his word, or have circumstances altered?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think the hon. Gentleman should assume that I have broken my word. I gave my pledge to the House that there would be no negotiations, and there will be no negotiations, until these men have been released.
§ Mr. BILLINGWhat steps are actually being taken to get these men back from Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat has already been repeatedly stated in this House, and I have nothing to add.