§ 9. Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any communications are passing between His Majesty's Government and the Russian Government, through the Royal Norwegian Government or other friendly channel, on the situation that has arisen, or is likely to arise, between Poland and Lithuania; and whether, during the discussions of the League of Nations on this subject, there is any channel of communication with the Russian Government?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, there is, of course, nothing to prevent the Council of the League from communicating with the Soviet Government should they think it desirable to do so.
§ Lieut. Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask whether in view of the situa- 474 tion in Poland and Lithuania, it is not very unfortunate that there have been no communications for the preservation of peace in that part of the world?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI rather deprecate an invitation to me to express an opinion on what the Council ought to do, or might have done, before the Council has taken into consideration—
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYMy question referred to His Majesty's Government.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINIt is not for His Majesty's Government to anticipate the action of the Council.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWould it be possible to have an answer to the last part of the question.
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINThe last part of the question has been answered, as the hon. and gallant Member would have known if he had attended to the reply.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman say what good purpose is served by dropping official diplomatic relations with Russia and substituting for them backstair discussions with Russia at Geneva?