§ 49. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Dutch and Shell groups of oil interests, or other oil companies, have approached His Majesty's Government for diplomatic support in obtaining concessions for oil exploitation in Russia; if so, how has His Majesty's Government received such approaches; whether His Majesty's Government have any knowledge of negotiations proceeding, or which have proceeded, at Genoa between British or Dutch oil companies and the Soviet Government of Russia; and whether His Majesty's Government can state their policy with regard to attempts by British subjects to obtain oil exploitation rights in Russia?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Foreign Office was approached in September last, and naturally promised to give the support always properly given to legitimate British enterprise. His Majesty's Government have no information as to the position reached in the negotiations. I am not clear as to the intention of the last part of the question, but His Majesty's Government are prepared to support British subjects in legitimate efforts to secure commercial concessions in foreign countries.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the latter part of the question was intended, I hoped, to draw just such a reply as he gave?