§ 4. Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of the Russian employés of the firm of Metropolitan Vickers are still in prison; and, if so, whether he will make representations with a view to the reduction of their sentences?
§ Sir J. SIMONMy hon. and gallant Friend will, I am sure, appreciate that the duty of His Majesty's Government in this matter is a duty which they endeavour to discharge in relation to British subjects, and that representations to a foreign Government in regard to its own nationals stand on quite a different footing. The firm naturally hope that the considerations which have led to the release of all their employés who are British may operate in favour of others in respect of whom intervention on my part is not possible.
§ Sir A. KNOXHow many Russian employés have been released, and is it not wrong that a British firm should resume trade relations and leave these employés, who have worked loyally for them for seven years, to their fate?
§ Sir J. SIMONI cannot give precise details about these individuals, but, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman thinks it well, I will try to get more accurate information.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that these Russian subjects themselves admitted the damage that they had done?
§ Sir J. SIMONThat may be so, but I am afraid I could not, in all the circumstances, regard an admission in a Russian court as satisfactory evidence.