§ 19. Mr. HANNONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement to the House on the progress of the Conference with the delegates from the Russian Soviet Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have nothing to add to the second part of the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 16th June.
§ Mr. HANNONSurely the Prime Minister could indicate to the House some idea of the progress that is being made with these negotiations?
§ Colonel ASHLEYDoes the right hon. Gentleman still disapprove of secret diplomacy?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am rather surprised to hear a responsible Member use that argument. As I am sure the right hon. Gentleman knows, when negotiations are in progress the negotiations go on till a point is reached when it is profitable and useful to make a Report.
§ Mr. HOPEAre we to understand that the Prime Minister is surprised that any responsible Member of this House still believes in the idea of open diplomacy?
§ 39. Sir VICTOR WARRENDERasked the Prime Minister what committees and sub-committees of the Anglo-Soviet Conference have been instituted; what is the subject matter of each of them; and which of them, if any, have completed their work?
§ 43. Major KINDERSLEYasked the Prime Minister the date of the last meeting of each of the committees and sub-committees formed under the Anglo-Soviet Conference, and the dates for which the next meetings, if any, have been arranged, of the committees and sub-committees, respectively?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs the reply is somewhat long, I shall, with the permission of the hon. Members, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:—
§ Four committees of the Conference have been constituted as follows:
§ The First Committee which has been subdivided into two sub-committees:
- A. for (1) the determination of the means for the restoration of Russian credit in Great Britain; and (2) business and other civil claims (bonds and nationalised properties).
- B. for (1) inter-governmental debts, War debts and intervention claims; and (2) personal injury claims.
§ These sub-committees last met on the 8th May. No further meetings have been arranged, as the matters in question have since been handled by the plenary Conference.
§ The Second Committee is drafting a Treaty of Commerce and Navigation. Its last meeting took place on the 5th June, 912 and it is contemplated that a further meeting shall take place this week.
§ The Third Committee deals with the question of territorial waters. Its last meeting took place on the 16th May, but since that date the experts of both parties have been in contact and are considering the draft of a Fisheries Convention.
§ The Fourth Committee deals with the revision of Treaties and the question of arbitration. Its last meeting took place on the 27th June, and it is anticipated that another meeting will take place shortly.
§ None of the Committees has completed its work.
§ 40. Sir V. WARRENDERasked the Prime Minister whether the draft articles, mentioned in the official communiqué of 27th May of the proceedings of the Anglo-Soviet Conference, containing the British counter-proposals have been communicated to the Anglo-Soviet Conference or to any committee under the Conference; if so, whether they have been agreed to by the Conference: and, if not, what are the reasons for the delay in presenting them?
§ 44. Major KINDERSLEYasked the Prime Minister whether the Soviet delegation adhere to the position that the claims will not be admitted of those who subsequently to 12th March, 1917, had taken an active part against the Soviet Government; whether any definition has been obtained as to what action constitutes taking an active part; by what tribunal will the quest on be decided whether individuals have taken an active part: and what is the attitude of the British Government towards this position taken up by the Soviet Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Members to the second part of the answer which I gave on the 16th June to the hon. Member for Moseley.
§ 41. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Prime Minister whether full opportunity will be given to the House of Commons for discussing the results of the Anglo-Soviet conference or for considering such results as may have been achieved up to date before the House adjourns for the Summer Recess?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI believe the House would wish for an opportunity for such a discussion before adjourning, and I propose to make a statement.
§ Major COLFOXAre there any results to discuss?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes.
§ Viscount CURZONWill a Motion be put down, or will it be discussed on the Consolidated Fund Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Noble Lord had better wait and see what circumstances arise in the meantime.