HC Deb 06 November 1940 vol 365 cc1312-3
3. Mr. Mander

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state the position with regard to the settlement of the outstanding differences between the British and Soviet Governments concerning the Baltic States and the release of gold and shipping?

8. Mr. Wedgwood

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he was consulted by the Ministry of Shipping before 13 more ships of the Baltic States were recently requisitioned, in view of the reaction on the Russian Government?

9. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many ships of Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian nationality have been commandeered for service by His Majesty's Government since those countries became incorporated in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether any decision has yet been taken to release them and all other ships of similar nationality preliminary to handing them over to the Soviet authorities?

Mr. Butler

Altogether 24 ships of Latvian, Estonian and Lithuanian nationality have been formally requisitioned by His Majesty's Government. This measure was taken after due consultation between the Departments concerned. The question of the ships, and other questions arising out of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic States, are at present under discussion between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government, and it is not possible to make a more detailed statement at this stage.

Mr. Mander

Were the Russian Ambassador and the Russian Government informed during the negotiations that it was intended to requisition some of these ships?

Mr. Butler

Oh, yes; His Majesty's Ambassador in Moscow indicated to the Soviet Government that this action would be taken, and the matter is under discus- sion between His Majesty's Ambassador and the Soviet Government.

Mr. Mander

They were notified before it was done?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Wedgwood

Is this sort of requisitioning intended to improve our relations with the Soviet Government?

Mr. Butler

The matter is a complicated and technical one. I hope we shall be able to reach some agreement with the Soviet Government on this matter.

Mr. Gallacher

Is not the Under-Secretary misleading this House when he talks about the Soviet Government taking over the Baltic States? Is it not the case that the Baltic States went over quite voluntarily?

Mr. Butler

That has nothing to do with the agreement.