HC Deb 14 April 1930 vol 237 cc2617-8
29. Commander OLIVER LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet representative in England has approached His Majesty's Government for co-operation in compelling certain of its agents to return to Russia?

31. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any representations from the Soviet Ambassador with regard to the employés of the Soviet Government in London who have been ordered to return to Moscow under penalty of death; and what action is being taken by the Foreign Office in the matter?

Mr. DALTON

No representations have been received, and consequently no action has been taken.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

Will the Government prevent the policy of persecution in Russia from extending to their subjects in this country?

Mr. DALTON

I think that is a rhetorical question.

Sir W. DAVISON

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance as to the rights of asylum being granted to these persons here, seeing that diplomatic representatives are being compelled to return to their country, on pain of death, for no alleged crime?

Mr. DALTON

That question is hypothetical, and, if it were not, it should be addressed to the Home Office.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

Will the hon. Member prevent the persecution of these people in this country?

88. Colonel HOWARD-BURY

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are certain Soviet subjects in this country who, by their refusal to re- turn to Russia, have incurred the death penalty in their own country; and whether these Soviet subjects, on the expiration of their permit to reside in this country, are to be given asylum in this country or are to be deported to Russia?

Mr. CLYNES

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for East Lewisham (Sir A. Pownall) on the 10th instant. I can at present add nothing to that reply.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when these permits expire, these men have to leave this country?

Mr. CLYNES

That question asks me to anticipate any decision which later I may be justified in reaching.

Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALL

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that these Russians contemplate this as a lovely land to live in?