§ 12. Mr. T KENNEDYasked the Home Secretary whether a Russian, named P. P. Diakonoff, was granted permission to enter this country from France on or about 28th March last; and if he can state the object of his visit and the duration of his stay in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I understand that Mr. Diakonoff came to this country for the purpose of business. He departed again about six days later.
§ Mr. KENNEDYIs the Home Secretary quite satisfied that the object of this person's visit was correctly stated in his application to be allowed to come to this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am as satisfied as I can be of the truth of any statement made by any person in these circumstances, stating what his purpose was. There was no reason to doubt it, and I allowed him to stay six days.
§ Mr. KENNEDYMay I take it that the Home Secretary is unaware of the antecedents of this person; that he is now on the military staff of the Grand Duke Nicholas, in France; that he spent the time at his disposal in this country under this permit soliciting financial guarantees—Government and other guarantees—for the prosecution of military 1339 operations in Southern China and in Manchuria, and that his introductions to influential financial quarters in this country were facilitated by hon. Members of this House? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of these facts? If he is unaware of these facts, will he, in the light of what I have stated, inquire into the whole matter of this person's visit?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIt is obvious that I am unable to answer a whole series of questions of that kind, of which notice has not been given. I will take note of the hon. Member's question in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow and cause inquiries to be made into all his allegations.
§ Brigadier-General Sir HENRY CROFTHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the anxiety of the Opposition on this subject, and will he see that most careful scrutiny is caused of all Russian subjects in future in this country?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether or not he is aware that ex-General Diakonoff was military attaché to the Russian Embassy in London in 1917 and 1918? If the right hon. Gentleman has any difficulty in getting any information on this General's visit now, will he inquire from hon. Members on his own side of the House?
§ Mr. G. PETOIs it really a crime not to visit the Leader of the Opposition?
§ Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSONDoes not the record of General Diakonoff prove that he is a greater friend to England than many of the other Russians?
§ Mr. LANSBURYIs it not a fact that this General——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis is getting a long way from the question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODOn the Question itself——
§ Mr. SPEAKERMr. Sexton.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThis General is a white agent.