HC Deb 13 May 1935 vol 301 cc1357-8
7. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the definite reply for which the Russian Soviet Government were asked by the British Government in March last with regard to the plate and furniture stolen from the British embassy in Petrograd in 1918 by officials of the Soviet Government has now been received; and what is the nature of such reply?

Mr. EDEN

His Majesty's Ambassador at Moscow was instructed on 25th March last to press for a definite statement from the Soviet Government showing whether or not the missing property had been traced. I have not yet learnt the result of these representations.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it not very discourteous to His Majesty's Government to allow an important matter like this to remain two months without a reply; and do not the Government think that it is full time that the property taken from His Majesty's Government, including the valuable property in the safes at the embassy, was restored, seeing that it was taken by Soviet officials?

Mr. EDEN

We certainly consider the matter important or we should not have made representations at all. Perhaps my hon. Friend and I have not quite the same standard of relative importance.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is it not possible that the Russian Government are making a thorough search among White Russians?

Mr. THORNE

Was any objection taken in 1918 in regard to this matter?

Mr. EDEN

I am afraid that I shall have to have notice of that question.

Mr. THORNE

Of course there was not.

Sir W. DAVISON

Will a further request for a reply be made?

Mr. EDEN

I will consider that suggestion.