HC Deb 27 July 1926 vol 198 c1915
71. Sir P. GOFF

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of the Foreign Office to withdraw diplomatic privilege from the Russian trade delegation, in view of the fact that the Soviet Government was granted recognition by the late Government of His Majesty and are now represented in this country by an Embassy in possession of full diplomatic privilege?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

The answer is in the negative. Under the terms of the trade agreement, only the chairman of the Soviet Trade Delegation enjoys diplomatic privileges.

Sir P. GOFF

Are the Government prepared to give diplomatic privileges to any other foreign Power which wishes to institute a trade delegation to this country?

Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSON

I have already explained that this is a very special agreement, owing to the fact that Russia is the only country which has a foreign trade monopoly.