§ 1. Major-General Sir Alfred Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information regarding the British volunteers who were stranded in Finland after the Russo-Finnish armistice; and will he instruct His Majesty's Minister in Helsinki to provide them with subsistence and to enable them to return to England?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Butler)About 130 off the British volunteers are still in Finland. The Finnish Aid Bureau, assisted by the Finnish Government, are providing 10r their lodging and maintenance. Every effort is being made to effect the repatriation of these volunteers via the Soviet Union, which is now the only available route. Fifteen have so far received Soviet visas.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs the British Minister in Helsinki really trying to help these people and provide subsistence, as many are almost in a state of starvation?
§ Mr. ButlerYes, Sir, I am glad to say that His Majesty's Minister is taking a great deal of trouble about these volunteers and is exercising general supervision. The Finnish Aid Bureau is providing a supplementary ration, clothing and an extra allowance per day. As far as we can we are helping, and the situation in that respect is improving.
§ Sir A. KnoxIs it possible to send funds through the British Minister?
§ Mr. ButlerI think the best way is to work through the Finnish Aid Bureau.
§ Mr. GallacherIf these volunteers are brought home, will the Foreign Office do 890 as they did in the case of the International Brigade—ask for the return of their fare money?