Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statements recently published as to the hostile attitude adopted by the Soviet authorities towards Mr. Hodgson, the British Chargé d'Affaires at Moscow; and if, in view of the preferential treatment to be accorded to Russian representatives in this country under the Treaty which has recently been signed, he will state what steps are being taken to secure reciprocal freedom of action for British representatives in Russia?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. J. Ramsay MacDonald)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The statements referred to were exaggerated, and it is in particular untrue that the Soviet authorities have shown hostility to Mr. Hodgson personally. No action was taken on the articles referred to on account of their inaccuracy. As regards the second part, no preferential treatment is accorded to Russian diplomatic representatives under the Treaty.
Sir F. HALLWould the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what authority he has for stating that the reports which have conic to this country were inaccurate?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am asked what is the authority for my reply. The authority is Mr. Hodgson.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYHas any complaint been made by Mr. Hodgson of personal inconvenience or ill treatment in Moscow by the Soviet authorities?
§ The PRIME MINISTERPersonal inconvenience or ill treatment—no.
Sir F. HALLHas the same freedom been afforded to Mr. Hodgson in Russia as has been afforded to the Russian representatives in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is my information.
§ Captain BERKELEYHave there been any complaints?
Major-General SEELYThe Prime-Minister has used the word "personal." Does that apply to all members of Mr. Hodgson's staff?
§ The PRIME MINISTERTo all the diplomatic members of Mr. Hodgson's staff—yes, according to my information.