§ 45. Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Prime Minister why His Majesty's Government has not yet published the 995 memorandum presented by the Russian Delegation at the Genoa Conference containing the Russian Government's claims for damage wrought on Russian territory by foreign intervention; whether it is the intention of the Government to implement the promise given by him to the House to publish the document; and whether the publication will he made before the Recess?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere has been some misapprehension as to what happened at Genoa on this subject. What. actually occurred was that, at an informal conversation between experts, one of the Russian delegates, who began by stating that their information was not complete, read out an approximate list of claims for damage. The claims were not admitted in regard either to their amount or the liability of the Allies, and the subject was not pursued. No detailed statement was formally submitted.
§ Mr. MACLEANDid not the Prime Minister promise the House, in his speech after the Genoa Conference, that a statement would be given to the House by and by, that it was an interesting statement, and that the House was entitled to have it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no recollection of making that statement, but I have looked the matter up, and the only reference made is purely to an informal conversation, and it was distinctly stated that it was an incomplete statement. Under those circumstances, it would not be fair to the Russian Government to give any of the figures submitted.
§ Mr. MACLEANIn the right hon. Gentleman's speech, was not the promise made that a statement would he given by and by?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf so, I do not for the moment recall the promise, but I am afraid I am not entitled, unless a formal document has been submitted, to publish any claims made.