HC Deb 18 April 1923 vol 162 cc2020-1
10. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long it is now since His Majesty's Government started to make representations to the Soviet Government with reference to the Hull fishermen recently captured by the piratical action of Soviet naval forces off Murmansk: whether any reply has yet been received from Mr. Hodgson in the matter; and what action His Majesty's Government propose to take to put an end to this intolerable situation and to ensure that these acts of piracy are not repeated?

Mr. McNEILL

Information of the seizure of the trawler "James Johnson" by a Russian cruiser was received at the Foreign Office on 2nd April. Mr. Hodgson was immediately instructed by telegram to make inquiries and report, pending the receipt of which there could be no question of representations to the Soviet Government. Mr. Hodgson's report was only received yesterday, and is to the effect that the crew of the trawler are detained in the vessel and that the case was due for hearing before the people's court on 15th April. It is understood that the owners have made arrangements to he represented at the trial by their Moscow law agent. Pending the result of these proceedings, no representations have been made to the Soviet Government. As regards the last part of the question, it is impossible to make any statement at present.

Viscount CURZON

Do His Majesty's Government recognise the right of the Soviet Government to take piratical action against our fishermen in the White Sea, and, if so, do they propose to recognise the findings of the people's court at Murmansk?

Mr. McNEILL

Certainly, we do not recognise the right of the Russian Government or of any Government to carry on piratical proceedings, but we must await the proceedings of the court before we can do anything further.

Viscount CURZON

Is it not a, fact that the trawler was seized ten miles off the coast? If so, why is not His Majesty's vessel now in that sea ordered to go into Murmansk and take it over?

Mr. McNEILL

That question should be addressed to the First Lord of the Admiralty.

Viscount CURZON

But this is a matter for the Foreign Office. 'Inc lives of men are at stake.