21. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what are the principal questions outstanding with the Soviet Government which are to be discussed with the Russian Ambassador; when the discussion of these matters will begin; whether the question of the responsibility of the Soviet Government for the actions of the Communist International will be included within the scope of the discussions; and whether, so soon as his negotiations have been concluded, he will inform the House of the result?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to Clause 1 of the Protocol signed on the 3rd October. The discussion of the questions enumerated therein will, I hope, begin at an early date. The answer to the third part is in the negative and to the fourth part in the affirmative.
Sir F. HALLHas the right hon. Gentleman given any instructions to the British Ambassador to negotiate with the Soviet Government with regard to the return of or compensation for confiscated British property, and have any arrangements been made or instructions given with regard to the loans that have been made?
Mr. HENDERSONThese matters, I think, are referred to in the Protocol and 1880 will be the subject of negotiations, not by our Ambassador in Russia, but in the negotiations which will take place here.
§ Commander BELLAIRSIs the treatment of Christians in Russia part of the negotiations?
§ Mr. THURTLEMay we take it that now that relations have been established with Russia, the right hon. Gentleman is doing everything possible to protect British interests in that country?