HC Deb 20 March 1922 vol 152 cc19-20
26. Captain Viscount CURZ0N

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the recent statement of General Smuts to the effect that Bolshevist activity is responsible for the serious situation on the Rand, and to the piratical action of the Soviet warships against British fishing craft on the high seas; and, in view of these breaches of faith on the part of the Soviet Government, will His Majesty's Government retract the invitation given to that Government to be represented at the Genoa Conference?

28. Mr. RAPER

asked the Prime Minister whether any responsibility for the deplorable outbreaks on the Band has been traced to Russian Bolshevists?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no official information on the subject of the allegation that has appeared in the Press that the recent outbreaks on the Rand have been traced to the activities of Russian Bolshevists, nor have I seen any statement of General Smuts to that effect. As regards the second part of my Noble Friend's question, I am not in a position to add anything to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 13th March in reply to questions on this subject, and as regards the last part I would refer to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the 13th February last.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

When considering this question will the right hon. Gentleman also remember the admitted statement of the late Secretary of State for India that Bolshevist propaganda was one of the four causes responsible for the unrest of that country at the present time?

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it not the fact that several of the men arrested in Johannesburg could only speak Russian?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no more information as to the happenings on the Band than is open to every Member of the House through the daily papers.

Viscount CURZ0N

Did not General Smuts make a statement to the effect that the troubles on the Rand was due to the extremist leaders, and if it is proved that there were Bolshevist agencies will that affect the attitude of His Majesty's Government towards Russia?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is quite an hypothetical question.