HC Deb 11 March 1931 vol 249 cc1153-4
5. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that our diplomatic and trade representatives in Russia are not given the same facilities for obtaining information as to current events and conditions in that country as our representatives in France and Germany are given and as the representatives of the Soviet Government in Great Britain are given; and whether he will make representations to the Soviet Government on the matter?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

As I informed the House on 16th February last, His Majesty's Ambassador and his staff enjoy, in common with all foreign diplomatic missions in the Soviet Union, and on a basis of reciprocity, all the rights and privileges recognised by International Law. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are certain disabilities? Has his attention been drawn to the speech of the Russian Prime Minister last week in which he stated that, if they were assured that equal facilities would be granted by foreign countries, then facilities would be granted to representatives in Russia?