§ 32. Captain WEDGWOOD BENNasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to differentiate in its assistance or protection to British nationals between those undertaking operations in or with Russia and those similarly engaged in or with other States?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir.
§ Captain BENNWas the Foreign Office consulted before the Chancellor of the Exchequer issued what was called his warning to traders with Russia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI entirely decline to say what communications passed between my colleagues and myself. I conceive that it would he most improper were I to do so. I take full responsibility for the speeches of my colleagues as well as my own.
§ Captain BENNIn that case, the Foreign Office associates itself with what is known as the warning to traders with Russia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINindicated assent.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us which is the Cabinet decision—the Chancellor of the Exchequer's speech or his own?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThere is nothing inconsistent in the speech made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the speech which I made in this House last week.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the resources of the State will be used to protect those who are engaged in trade with Russia?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIs the hon. Member inviting me to give, a covert hypothetical declaration of war?
§ Mr. TAYLORAll I am trying to elicit is whether those who are engaged in the Anglo-Russian trade operations may rely upon the help of the State in carrying on such trade.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI have said that there is no difference between the desire of the British Government to protect traders with Russia and traders with any other country, except such difference as may arise in the circumstances themselves, and the amount of influence which His Majesty's Government can exercise.
§ Mr. BASIL PETODoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the influence of His Majesty's Government will he any greater to obtain payment from Russia for future contracts than it has been to obtain payment for the sums that have already been confiscated by Russia.