HC Deb 09 May 1922 vol 153 cc1995-6
50. Mr. MALONE

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Shell Oil Company entered into negotiations with representatives of the Russian Government last November with a view to obtaining a monopoly of petroleum rights in Russia, and that an agreement was signed by both parties during February, 1922, and is now waiting ratification by Moscow; whether these negotiations were carried out with the knowledge and/or consent of His Majesty's Government; whether, in view of the statements in the French Press to the effect that French and Belgian opposition to the Russian policy at Genoa arises from the fact that some of the oil now being contracted for formerly belonged to French and Belgian interests, he will state what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to prevent the settlement of Europe being wrecked by the rivalries of apparently competing oil interests?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am informed that no negotiations with the objects stated have been entered into, and that no such agreement has been signed. The remaining parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Mr. MALONE

Is the Anglo-French oil agreement, signed at San Remo on the 24th April, 1920, still in force?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That does not arise, and I must have notice of that.