HC Deb 03 April 1922 vol 152 cc1829-30
82. Sir CHARLES OMAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the number of British officers and men now serving on board the "Lenin," ice-breaker, or other Soviet vessels in the Baltic; whether any of them are still connected with the British Service; and whether any efforts have been made to discourage the entry of British subjects into the Soviet Navy during the continuance of the existing relations between Great Britain and Russia?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am informed that most of the 125 officers and men serving on the "Lenin" are British subjects. None are now connected with His Majesty's Service. The behaviour of some of them at various ports in the Baltic has been highly discreditable in many respects. I am glad to have this opportunity of stating that His Majesty's Government have no responsibility of any kind for them and no means of influencing them. I have no information as to the officers and crews of other Soviet vessels in the Baltic

Sir C. OMAN

Is it part of the duty of the British Government to discourage British subjects from entering into this service or not?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will advise me how that can best be done.

Mr. RAPER

Do any of these men hold British passports?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I could not say.