§ 14. Mr. SANDERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow has yet presented his credentials and taken over the charge of British interests from the Norwegian Minister in Moscow?
Mr. A. HENDERSONYes, Sir. His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow presented his credentials on the 21st December. I trust the House will allow me to take this opportunity to express the gratitude of His Majesty's Government to the Norwegian Government for having undertaken the charge of British interests in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics during the past two and a half years, and also to say how highly His Majesty's Government appreciate the manner in which this task has been carried out by that Government, their representative in Moscow, and their diplomatic and consular officers on Soviet territory. The assistance of the Norwegian Government, the care and trouble which their officials both at home and abroad have brought to the smallest details of the additional work imposed upon them, and the pains which have been taken to ensure the speedy transmission of communications to and from the Soviet Government, have been of great value to His Majesty's present Government and, I feel sure I may add, to their predecessors in office.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINMay I accept the invitation—I think it was such—of the right hon. Gentleman to associate myself and the late Government most fully with the tribute of gratitude which he has expressed to the Norwegian Government? And can the right hon. Gentleman say what arrangements have been made for the housing of the Em- 1878 bassy, and whether proper arrangements have been made for the security of its records?
Mr. HENDERSONArrangements for the housing of the Embassy and the Embassy staff are still under consideration. At present, I understand that Sir Esmond Ovey and his colleagues are housed in one of the hotels. I am not in a position to say what will be the final arrangements as to the housing accommodation that will be secured. I am afraid that I cannot answer anything to the second part of the supplementary question at this moment.
§ Captain Sir GEORGE BOWYERCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Ambassador and his staff will be able to attend a British church on Christmas Day?