HC Deb 09 April 1940 vol 359 cc445-6
16. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether he is aware that 2,140,000 barrels of American oil have arrived at Vladivostock since September, and what steps he has taken to prevent this addition to the strength of the enemy?

The Minister of Economic Warfare (Mr. Cross)

I regret that I am unable to state whether or not the figure mentioned by the hon. Member, which I presume is supposed to cover the period from 1st October to 31st March, is accurate. The official monthly trade returns published by the United States Government do not distinguish exports of oil or any other commodity except cotton by country of destination. I have seen various figures from different sources relating to this traffic but, as these differ from each other, I would prefer to reserve judgment on them for the present. As regards the second part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Central Bristol (Lord Apsley) on 21st March.

Mr. Mander

May we have an assurance that firm and definite steps are being taken to prevent this increase of strength to the enemy?

Mr. Cross

As I indicated in the answer to which I have referred the hon. Member, these imports of oil, although much above the 1938 figures, are not in excess of the quantities imported in some previous years. I believe that this oil is required by the Soviet for their own use in the Far East and is not being re-exported to Germany.

Mr. Mander

Has any assurance been asked for or obtained from the Soviet Government that it will not be re-exported?

Sir Herbert Williams

Is there any case in history in which petroleum has been sent 6.000 miles by railway train?

17. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister of Economic Warfare whether, in view of the fact that the total exports from the Netherlands Indies to Vladivostock between January and August, 1939, were 520,000 kilograms, whereas from September to December, 1939, they rose to 10,611,000 kilograms, he will state what steps are being taken to prevent these supplies reaching Germany?

Mr. Cross

The hon. Member may be assured that steps are being taken in this matter, but he will appreciate that it would not be in the public interest to state what these measures are.

Mr. Mander

May we have an assurance that the steps taken will be in time and not too late?

Mr. Cross

They will be taken as rapidly as possible.