4. Marquess of HARTINGTONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will request the Russian Government to assist him in recovering the lost plate from the British Embassy at Petrograd?
Mr. A. HENDERSONIn reply to inquiries on this subject made by His 393 Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires in 1926, the Soviet Commissariat of Foreign Affairs said that a search instituted by them had proved unavailing, and that inquiries at Leningrad had not thrown any light on the circumstances in which the plate was lost. I do not consider that any further representations to the Soviet Government on this subject would serve any useful purpose.
Marquess of HARTINGTONOn a point of Order. Is the right hon. Gentleman in order in suggesting that this friendly Government is either unable or unwilling to assist in the recovery of stolen goods?
Mr. HENDERSONI do not think I suggested that. I suggested that the Government which the hon. Member so closely supported failed, and I do not hope that I can succeed.
§ Major The Marquess of TITCHFIELDWill the Russian Government pay a sum of money in lieu?
Mr. HENDERSONI am not sure that the previous Government ever made an attempt to get such a sum of money.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYrose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERColonel Wedgwood.