HC Deb 07 February 1934 vol 285 cc1111-2
5. Mr. DAVID GRENFELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement on the question of food supplies to His Majesty's Embassy in Moscow, and its bearing on the proposed Anglo-Russian temporary trade agreement?

Sir J. SIMON

Yes, Sir. I should like first to make plain that the conclusion of the Anglo-Russian Trade Agreement is not being delayed or held up by this question at all. The position is that inasmuch as the Soviet Government seek to secure in their trade agreements with other countries diplomatic privileges for their trade representatives, and in view of the fact that certain restrictions have been imposed on the purchase and importation of supplies by His Majesty's Representatives in the Soviet Union, His Majesty's Government requested the Soviet Government to give an assurance that necessary supplies would continue to be available to His Majesty's Representatives at reasonable prices, and that such supplies as they found it necessary to import would not be subject to import duties. The Soviet Government having declined to give such an assurance, and as it is essential for the continuance of satisfactory relations that proper treatment should be accorded to His Majesty's Representatives in the Soviet Union, His Majesty's Government have made their position clear to the Soviet Government in a formal note.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is it not the case that the goods required under these privileges have exceeded reasonable limits of consumption by the Embassy staff?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not know where the hon. Member gets that suggestion, but it is without any foundation whatever.

Mr. GRENFELL

Is it the case that the British Embassy is asking for conditions which are more favourable to us than is granted to any other Embassy in Russia, and is it not the case that there has been no discrimination against the British Embassy in Russia?

Sir J. SIMON

I am only concerned to see that His Majesty's Representatives in a foreign capital get proper treatment, and that is the object of the formal note addressed to the Soviet Government. There is no truth in the suggestion that the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement is being held up because of this matter.

Mr. HANNON

Is it not a fact that our representatives abroad, our Ambassadors and Ministers, have the privilege of receiving necessary supplies for their Embassies and Legations without the imposition of import duties?

Captain ARTHUR EVANS

Is it not a fact that at the present time members of the Diplomatic Service taking up appointments in Moscow are required to take six months' supply of tinned food with them?

Sir J. SIMON

I cannot answer the last supplementary question; it may be so. What the hon. Member for the Moseley Division (Mr. Hannon) said is in accordance with the ordinary practice.