HC Deb 18 February 1924 vol 169 cc1292-4
29. Major Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what. republics constitute the Union of Soviet Republics?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Union of Socialist Soviet Republics, as established by the Constitution of the 6th July, 1923, consists of the following four Republics:

The Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic,

The Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic,

The White Russian Socialist Soviet Republic, and

The Transcaucasian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to show within what boundaries these republics claim to exercise sovereignty and what steps does he propose to take to ascertain whether the people within these boundaries do, to use his own phrase, acknowledge the authority of such sovereignty?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must just take the circumstances as they are.

33. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the authority of the government of the Union of Soviet Republics is recognised by His Majesty's Government as extending to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia; and whether the de jure recognition extended by His Majesty's Government to the republic of Georgia on 27th January, 1922, the de facto recognition extended to the republic of Azerbaijan in January, 1920, and the de jure recognition extended to the republic of Armenia in August, 1920, have been withdrawn.

The PRIME MINISTER

The answer is in the affirmative, inasmuch as the territories mentioned are understood to acknowledge the authority of the Union Government. Official recognition of Governments which no longer exist de facto naturally lapses when they cease to function.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember the Chancellor of the Exchequer a very short time ago—only last July—suggesting to the last Government that it should be a condition of recognition of the Soviet Government that the independence of these people should be restored? Will he take steps to see that they are not left under the heel of the Bolshevik tyranny?

The PRIME MINISTER

Obviously that question must be answered partly at least by the peoples of the countries themselves.

Mr. PRINGLE

Has not the right hon. Gentleman himself personal knowledge of the position in Georgia, and is he not aware that the people of Georgia are against the Soviet Government and desire their own form of Government?

Mr. LANSBURY

Is the right hon. Gentleman not also aware that the people of India want to be released—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. W. THORNE

Is it in order for an hon. Member of this House, in consequence of the recognition of the Soviet Government, to call them "Bolsheviks.?"

Mr. SPEAKER

I am not sure whether that term implies a reproach or a compliment. I do not propose to give any ruling in the matter.