§ 8. Mr. T. KENNEDYasked the Home Secretary if he is now able to state the result of any inquiries into the allegations made to him regarding the visit to this country of a Russian named Diakonoff; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have made such inquiries about, this matter as are practicable, and I find that General Diakonoff was formerly Assistant Military Attaché to the Imperial Russian Embassy. He is now resident in Paris, and the recent application for a visit to the United Kingdom was on the ground that he is the representative of a Rumanian firm dealing in wines and other produce. A request was received 525 from a firm of London merchants that he might be admitted for the purpose of business negotiations. On this ground permission was given for a short visit. He landed on 26th March and left on 1st April. I do not know on what information the hon. Member bases the allegations he made on 19th May, but I have no reason to believe that this visit was utilised for purposes contrary to the interests of this country.
§ Mr. KENNEDYWill the right hon. Gentleman give the name of the firm that made the application, and in connection with that firm are there any persons who, during this Russian's visit to this country, were in communication with the War Office regarding the real object of his visit?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI obviously cannot answer that without notice. That was not one of the points included in the hon. Member's statement on 19th May, but I will take a note of it and make inquiries and let the hon. Member know, or he can put a question down after the Recess.