§ 14. Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that M. Rakovsky, recently appointed head of the Anglo-Russian Trade Delegation in London, is the same M. Rakovsky who was expelled from France during the War for his propaganda activities against the Allies and was instrumental in the massacre of the whites in the Ukraine; and can he explain why, under these circumstances, he was admitted by the Government to the position he now holds in accordance with the provisions of the trade agreement?
§ Mr. McNEILLBefore the appointment of M. Rakovsky as head of the Russian trade delegation in London was accepted by His Majesty's Government, inquiries were made, which did not bring to light any such facts as are alleged in the question. If, on further inquiry—especially in view of statements which have recently been made in the Press—it should appear that M. Rakovsky is unsuitable for the appointment, the question will have to be reconsidered.
§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTCan the hon. Gentleman tell me if this individual or anyone at Soviet House has been concerned in the recent strikes in London?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have no information on that point.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONHave the Government a guarantee that M. Rakovsky will not carry on any campaign of propaganda against us?
§ Mr. McNEILLThe only thing in the nature of a guarantee is the arrangement contained in the Trade Agreement. Whether or not that will be effective, I cannot say.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYOn a point of Order. Is it in accordance with the custom of this House for attacks to be made on the accredited representative of another Government?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThey would not allow us to put that question down.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI did cut out of this question parts that I thought objectionable. The hon. Member has put some of it in his supplementary question, and that ought not to be done.
Captain BENNWill you give some ruling, Mr. Speaker, which will guide us? Do we understand that the diplomatic representatives of foreign countries are to be subjected to questions of this kind in this House? Surely a rule applying to one country should apply to all countries?
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I put down a question challenging the French Minister's right of propaganda in this country? It is perfectly monstrous.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have refused several questions on this matter, where hon. Members propose to make allegations, for which no prima facie evidence is produced. The only questions which are permissible are as to whether the appointment is in accordance with the Trade Agreement.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWas not this gentleman at Geneva very well known, and do not our Foreign Office know all about him; and if he has been accepted, why does not the hon. Gentleman repudiate these charges made against him?
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a pamphlet issued by this gentleman in the last few days gravely attacking Great Britain?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThere is a later question on that matter.
§ Mr. McNEILLWith reference to the point of Order. Of course I should have applied to you if this gentleman occupied a diplomatic post, but he does not, and I do not think there was any ground for applying to you, Sir, for permission.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYThere have been cases tried in the Courts in which the plea has been that of diplomatic immunity of the predecessor of this gentleman, and it was accepted by His Majesty's Judges. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] On these grounds, should not the same courtesy be extended by the Foreign Office to this gentleman?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think the House must trust me to do my best in the matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir M. ARCHER-SHEE(by Private Notice) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the speech of M. Rakovsky, quoted in the official organ of the Ukranian Communist party, in which he predicts the collapse of the British Empire and the ruin of England, and in which he stated that the principal object of his appointment as chief of the trade delegation in London was to enable him to be on the spot so as to be able to intervene in the affairs of this country, and whether, in view of this speech, His Majesty's Government will request the Soviet Government to recall M. Rakovsky at once?
§ Mr. McNEILLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply just given to the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney.
§ Sir M. ARCHER-SHEECan my hon. Friend give any indication that the Government are not ready to harbour this vicious anti-British viper?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order! After that, I must see any questions in writing.