HC Deb 13 May 1924 vol 173 cc1142-3
46. Mr. PENNY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the Dutch and German Governments have given up the attempt to negotiate a trade agreement with the Russian Soviet representatives, owing to the Soviet's attitude towards acknowledging debts, and that they find the advantages of a small trade with Russia do not compensate for the disadvantages arising from the establishing of a Bolshevist stronghold in those countries, he will take up a similar attitude in regard to the delegation which recently came from Russia, seeing that, from the reported declarations of the Soviet Government, it appears that it is intended to adopt the same attitude in regard to debts towards this country?

Mr. CLYNES

Until and unless our own experience justifies such action, the answer will remain in the negative.

Mr. PENNY

Have the discussions resulted in any satisfactory or tangible results so far?

Sir VICTOR WARRENDER

Have the Soviet Government yet recognised their liability for the property of British subjects confiscated in Russia?

Mr. CLYNES

It is too early as yet to make any answer in detail as to the progress of the negotiations.