§ 27. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the representatives of the Russian Soviet Government, with whom he is negotiating, have yet defined their attitude with regard to the claims of British nationals?
§ Dr. BURGINThe attitude of His Majesty's Government in this matter, as set out in the reply given on 10th July to my hon. Friend by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, was made clear to the Soviet representatives at the outset of the negotiations for a new trade agreement. I am not in a position to say anything further on the subject.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIn view of the fact that in previous negotiations the Soviet representatives have declined to define their attitude—that is the phrase used by the Foreign Secretary—is it not desirable, as a preliminary to any further negotiations, that they should be finally asked to define their attitude to the claims of British nationals?
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHave the British Government defined their attitude towards Russian claims?
§ Dr. BURGINMy answer is quite clear. The whole attitude of the British Government in this matter was made clear to the Soviet representatives at the 2399 outset of the negotiations for a new trade agreement.
§ Sir W. DAVISONThe hon. Gentleman realises that what I am asking about is the attitude of the Soviet representatives to British claims?
§ Dr. BURGINThe answer to that question is that the negotiations are proceeding.
§ Major-General Sir ALFRED KNOXWhat reply have the Soviet representatives made?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThat Britain is to hand over Constantinople to Russia.