HC Deb 03 February 1930 vol 234 cc1478-9
20. Mr. ALLEN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the constitution of the Union of Socialist Republics, His Majesty's Government will extend to the constituent republics the compliment of establishing consulates-general at the capitals of these republics, namely, at Minsk for White Russia, Kharkov for Ukraine, Tiflis for Transcaucasia, Poltaratsk for Turkmenistan, and Tashkent for Uzbegistan?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The question of the appointment of British consular officers to important trading centres in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is under consideration, and I cannot make any detailed statement at the moment.

Mr. ALLEN

Is it not a fact that under the Soviet Constitution these republics are independent, and have the right to representation; and is it not desirable that we should have some representation there?

Mr. HENDERSON

I must have notice of that question.

Earl WINTERTON

Should we not have a representative at Tashkent, in view of the fact that for years past Indian revolutionaries have been trained in that place?

Mr. HENDERSON

That will be taken into consideration.