HC Deb 20 February 1922 vol 150 cc1498-9
33. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prime Minister if he will now give instructions for the Notes exchanged between His Majesty s Government and the Russian Soviet Government, since 21st September last, regarding the breaches of the terms of the Trade Agreement by the Russian Soviet Government, to be published; and if no reply has yet been received by His Majesty's Government to their Note of the 2nd November last?

The PRIME MINISTER

After careful consideration, in view of the opportunity which will be afforded at the Genoa Conference of reaching an understanding on this matter, His Majesty's Government do not feel that any useful purpose would be served by publishing at this late date the two Notes exchanged between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government since 21st September. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. RAPER

Is it the intention of the Government to revert to the old and pernicious system of secret diplomacy? If not, why not publish the Notes?

The PRIME MINISTER

On the contrary, the Government is attacked for being too open. There is a demand that we should revert to the old diplomacy.

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