HC Deb 30 March 1922 vol 152 cc1521-2
20. Major BARNETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps are being taken to safeguard the important British interests in Azerbaijan and Georgia, in view of the fact that these Soviet Republics, though under Soviet Russian control, will not be represented at the Genoa Conference?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

As was pointed out in a reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) on 22nd March, the Transcaucasian Republics have declined to accept a British representative. I am unable at present to state what effective steps may eventually be possible to safeguard British interests in the Caucasus.

Major BARNETT

Does that mean that Soviet Russia can confiscate any British property there?

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Will the hon. Gentleman say that before the Russian Soviet Government is recognised we shall receive distinct understandings that all British property is to be returned?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

That is one of the subjects to be discussed at Genoa.