HC Deb 30 January 1929 vol 224 cc914-5
4. Viscount SANDON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that a number of French and Italian representatives of high rank attended officially the funeral on the Riviera and the memorial service in Paris of the Grand Duke Nicholas, former commander-in-chief of the Russian forces in the War, whether the British Government and British Army were officially represented at these two ceremonies; and, if so, by whom?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

His Majesty's Government and the British Army were not represented at the services referred to in the question, but His Majesty's Government and the Army Council were represented at the corresponding memorial service held in London on the same day.

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why we did not send a special deputation, in view of the fact that both the Italian and the French Governments were represented by high officials?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Because His Majesty's Government thought it was sufficient that we should be represented at the ceremony which was held in this country.

Sir A. KNOX

Could we not have sent the military attache at Paris at the cost of a railway fare?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir; it is not a question of the expense of a railway ticket.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Would this not have been a gracious recognition of the great service of the Russian Army to the Allied cause during the War?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, Sir. I think it was right and due to the services of the Russians in the War that we should mark our respect, but that was done by attendance at the memorial service in this country.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

My question was whether this would not have been a gracious recognition of the services of the Russian soldiers in the late War and their great services to our cause.

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