§ 61. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the negotiations with the Russian Government for the settlement of outstanding questions and, in particular, of the claim of the Russian Government for compensation for damages committed during the British intervention in Russia, he will consider setting up a commission of inquiry to inquire into the whole circumstances of the British intervention in Russia and of the support given to the insurrectionary movements in that country against the present Government in Russia?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe answer to the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the negative. The Soviet Government will undoubtedly raise this matter in the course of the negotiations.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that the 1004 expenditure of some £100,000,000 has never been properly investigated, and that it is a duty, owed by this Government to the people of this country, to have some investigation made into the whole circumstances?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe purpose of the Commission that will sit with the Russian delegates will be to inquire into all relevant matters.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIf we could inquire into the Dardanelles campaign and the Mesopotamia scandal, why should we not look into this matter?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not imperative that this matter should be investigated so that the guilty parties may be surcharged?
§ Sir A. S. BENNAs the hon. Member has just stated that these matters will be brought forward at the Anglo-Russian Commission, may I ask the Under-Secretary if no settlement will be made before the matter comes before the House of Commons?
§ Mr. PONSONBYI will ask the Prime Minister about that, though I have no doubt that this House will have an opportunity of discussing the findings of this Commission before they are carried into effect.