HC Deb 17 February 1930 vol 235 cc896-7
11. Sir KINGSLEY WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the subjects he has now discussed with the Soviet Ambassador other than those arising out of the proposed treaty?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As I have already mentioned to the House the subjects discussed with the Soviet Ambassador, I am not in a position to make any further statement at present.

Sir K. WOOD

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet raised with the Soviet Ambassador the question of religious persecution in Russia?

Mr. HENDERSON

Before I raise such a subject, I shall have to do my best to ascertain the facts.

Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Are we to understand that it is left to this Government to depart from the glorious tradition of Britain to protect honest men who desire to worship God in their own way?

Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

Is the right hon. Gentleman the only man in England who does not know the facts?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

Last July the right hon. Gentleman promised in this House that as soon as diplomatic relations were resumed he would take up the case of the persecution of 100 Baptist pastors and teachers, exiled or in prison, and, seeing that the facts were not in dispute in July and that names could be given, will the right hon. Gentleman implement the promise?

Mr. HENDERSON

Yes. If the hon. Member will give me any names, I shall be delighted to do all I can.

Mr. SAMUEL

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is going to make no attempt to protect men who try to worship God according to their own consciences? Let us know definitely where we are?

Mr. HENDERSON

That supplementary question is not justified by my answer.

Mr. MATTERS

Will the right hon. Gentleman please ascertain what was the action of the British Government in 1906—

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

21. Sir NICHOLAS GRATTAN-DOYLE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any joint committees have been appointed under Paragraph 4 of the Protocol of 3rd October, 1929, signed by himself and M. Dovgalevsky: and, if so, whether he can state the names of the persons appointed?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, Sir. The negotiations have not yet advanced sufficiently to necessitate the assistance of such committees, but their formation to examine the more technical questions is under consideration.

Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLE

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what conversations have taken place?

Mr. HENDERSON

I am afraid I cannot.