§ 18. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a treaty was signed at Odessa on 18th March, 1918, and confirmed later at Jassy, between Dr. Rakovsky, on behalf of Soviet Russia. and General Averescu, on behalf of Rumania, in the presence of the late J. W. Boyle, Lieutenant-Colonel in His Majesty's Army; that this treaty laid clown that the occupation of Bessarabia by Rumanian troops was temporary and pledged Rumania to the withdrawal of her Army within two months, 10,000 soldiers only being left to guard Rumanian military stores; if he is aware that Monsieur Anion, Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Rumanian Government, admitted the existence of this treaty in the Rumanian Parliament in July, 1918; and whether His Majesty's Government was aware of this treaty when it was agreed to recognise the Rumanian annexation of Bessarabia?
§ Mr. PONSONBYThe answer to all points is in the affirmative.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWhat, then, is the present position in regard to the alleged British recognition of the annexation of Bessarabia by Rumania? Is there a treaty, or what is the position?
§ Mr. PONSONBYI shall require notice of that question.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINIs it not the fact that His Majesty's Government rightly considered the geographical position of Bessarabia in this connection as well as the proportion of Roumanian population which it contained?