HC Deb 29 June 1922 vol 155 cc2324-5
14. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a plot was recently discovered by the Bulgarian Government whereby the refugee Russian troops under General Wrangel were to be used in a revolution against the Bulgarian Government; whether these troops are now being disarmed; whether the arms taken from Wrangel's troops are being handed over to the Allied Commission; and how are those arms being disposed of?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

The Bulgarian Government recently arrested several hundred Russian officers in Bulgaria, and expelled them from the country, but judicial proceedings to establish their guilt have not yet taken place. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. In regard to the last part of this question, the share handed over to His Majesty's Government is being destroyed.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

What is being done by the other officers of the Allied Commission?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I cannot answer on behalf of foreign governments.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is not this a matter which very much concerns us, as if they are handed over by other Allied officers to other countries, there may be continuous trouble, which may injure this country?

Lieut.-Colonel J. WARD

Is there a word of truth in the suggestion that General Wrangel or his officers had anything to do with this question?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

I am not accepting the language of my hon. and gallant Friend (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) in describing the cause of these officers being expelled from Bulgaria.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Has it not been admitted that these officers—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman has had a complete answer to his question. Now he wants to give his own opinion.