§ 64. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. J. Martin was arrested by the Soviet Government prior to or subsequent to the landing of armed British forces either at Archangel, Murmansk or Vladivostok; and whether Mr. Martin contracted the attack of spotted typhus fever to which he attributes his blindness before or after 623 the date on which all interference by British naval forces with cargoes consigned to Soviet Russia ceased?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Godfrey Locker-Lampson)Mr. Joseph Martin was arrested by the Soviet authorities on the 7th November, 1919, or some 16 months subsequent to the landing of the British Expeditionary Forces at Murmansk. I am unaware of the exact date when he contracted typhus fever, but it occurred during his imprisonment, which lasted from the 7th November, 1919, to the 6th March, 1920. The decision of the Supreme Council, permitting the resumption of trade with Russia, was dated the 16th January, 1920.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it the fact that the blockade was in existence during Mr. Martin's imprisonment?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. THURTLEDoes not this answer tend to show that the primary responsibility for the disability from which Mr. Martin is now suffering rests with His Majesty's Government?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONNo, Sir.
§ Mr. HADEN GUESTIs it the case that Mr. Martin's blindness was caused by an attack of spotted fever, as conveyed in this question
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI believe his blindness was brought on by that disease.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not also admitted that had medicines, etc., been at hand to treat Mr. Martin, his blindness might have been averted?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI do not think so