HC Deb 26 October 1920 vol 133 cc1520-1
50. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prime Minister whether any economic agreement which might be consummated with the Russian Soviet Government will be subject to a satisfactory guarantee by the Soviet Government as regards repayment of debts due by Russia to the Allied Governments' banks, companies, and individuals?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The conditions upon which His Majesty's Government is prepared to make a Trade Agreement with the Russian Soviet Government were set out in the Note of the 1st July, replying to M. Krassin's Note of 29th June. Both these Notes were published in the Press. The Soviet Government by its telegram of 7th July, accepted the conditions laid down.

Mr. RAPER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is a large amount of misunderstanding as to whether or not His Majesty's Government are going to make it an absolute condition that the Soviet Government shall carry out Russia's financial obligations to the Allies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think it is possible for me to give a detailed answer as to what precisely is meant by the terms of the Note, but it is obvious to this House that an offer has been made and must be tarried out by the Soviet Government.

Mr. W. THORNE

In face of the guarantee given by the Soviet Government, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it wise at once to re-open commercial relations with the Soviet Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The House knows that the Government has always thought it is extremely desirable that trade should be resumed again, and if that were so in the past, it is still more desirable now, when there is a state of unemployment in this country. We shall certainly do nothing to prevent these relations being resumed so far as we can.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that the Government have received representations from every Chamber of Commerce in this country declining to trade with Russia unless an arrangement is made between this country and Russia that Russia shall acknowledge all her pre-War and other debts?

Mr. MILLS

Is it not a fact that the late Russian Duma refused to countenance the debts of the late Czar unless approved by the Duma beforehand?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not think anything can be gained by continuing this discussion. Trade relations have been renewed by other Governments, and this Government must do its best to get its share of the trade.

Mr. W. THORNE

Other countries are pinching all the trade.