HC Deb 24 July 1922 vol 157 cc20-1
62. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that., following on the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case of White, Child, and Beney, Limited, v. the Eagle Star British Dominions, etc., the Government of Russia, which in July, 1918, succeeded the previous Provisional Government, winnow be in a position to demand, under British law, payment to the Soviet Government of all moneys, securities, etc., brought into this country from Russia after the 14th November, 1917, on the ground that the whole of the financial resources of the Russian Empire were nationalised by the Petrograd party towards the end of December, 1917, and in the following days; whether any executive or legislative steps are in contemplation so as to avoid the unnecessary distress that such a position must occasion to our own nationals, and for the establishment of a working agreement with France, Belgium, and the United States of America, providing a modus operandi for the prevention of disputes with these countries arising out of the present unfortunate legal position in Great Britain?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

As regards the first part of the question, I have no observations which I could usefully offer on a matter which has formed the subject of judgments by the Courts of Law. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Does the hon. Gentleman admit that the whole financial resources of the Russian Empire were nationalised by the Petrograd party towards the end of December, 1917, and in the following days?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I do not think I am called upon to make any admission of that kind.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

That is the question I asked. I should like to know whether my hon. Friend is prepared to answer it, and, if not, why not?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a question.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

I have put it down twice.