HC Deb 25 February 1918 vol 103 cc1122-3W
Mr. BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information of the threat of the Russian Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the effect that, unless the British Government recognises M. Litvinoff, the Russian People's Ambassador in London, stringent measures will be taken against British subjects in Russia; and what steps His Majesty's Government proposes to take to protect these British subjects?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have seen the report in the Press, but I have no official confirmation of it. Such measures would be entirely unjustified, and unless and until the report is confirmed I cannot say more than that His Majesty's Government are giving the matter their consideration and will, the case arising, take all steps that lie within their power.

Mr. BUXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can confirm the report of the cancelling by the Council of the People's Commissioners of Russia of the Anglo-Russian Agreement of 1907 concerning Persia, and also of efforts by the Council to obtain a complete evacuation of Persia by Russian, Turkish, and British forces; and, if so, what action His Majesty's Government propose to take?

Mr. BALFOUR

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I am unable to make any statement regarding matters at present under consideration.