HC Deb 23 February 1931 vol 248 cc1737-8
29. Mr. MARJORIBANKS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make representations to the Soviet Government asking for the removal of the restrictions on the movements of the British commercial and diplomatic staff in Soviet Russia?

Mr. DALTON

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Can the hon. Gentleman say why we give full diplomatic privileges to a Power which only gives us in return very limited diplomatic privileges, and whether there is any precedent for such a reciprocal arrangement?

Mr. DALTON

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, this Government, and I think all other Governments, do reserve the right to impose restrictions, when they think fit to do so, upon the movement within their territories of diplomatic and consular officers of foreign Powers, and that right His Majesty's Government would not be prepared to abandon.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Would it not remove the ground for many of the representations in the British Press—

Mr. KIRKWOOD

rose

Mr. SPEAKER

Captain Eden.

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