HC Deb 14 December 1932 vol 273 cc325-6
8. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOX

asked the Secretary State for Foreign Affairs whether he will press the claims submitted to the Claims Department oil the 13th June, 1926, by Miss Olga Charnock, a British subject and a. member of tile staff of the British Consulate in Moscow, who since 4th August, 1918, has suffered from paralysis produced by the shock of her father's arrest by Cheka, averts in Moscow on that date?

Mr. EDEN

At the Russian Claims Department of the Board of Trade there is a claim registered in the name of Miss O. M. Charnock. For the procedure adopted in regard to it, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply returned on the 12th December to his question about the claim of Miss Lilian Moon.

Sir A. KNOX

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that that is precisely the same question as I put six and a-half years ago regarding this lady, and that I got precisely the same answer? Is it not time that the Government recognised its obligations towards a public servant who has suffered in the service?

Mr. EDEN

My hon. and gallant Friend knows that I feel no satisfaction with this position, but my responsibility does not stretch over the last six years.

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

Why are the claims of British nationals in Russia not being pressed with the same vigour as the claims of British nationals in Persia?

Mr. EDEN

My hon. Friend must not assume that.

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