HC Deb 11 August 1919 vol 119 c904W
Mr. MOSLEY

asked the Secretary of State for War whether over 200,000 Russian prisoners still awaiting repatriation in Germany are to be removed from the control and support of the Inter-Allied Commission in Berlin and handed back to the German Government for maintenance until such time as they can be repatriated; if so, what route and means of repatriation exist except through the Bolshevik lines, which would entail conscription of these troops for Bolshevik purposes; and whether he will recommend the removal of these Russians to the empty prison camps in France and the subsequent transport of volunteers to the Army of General Denikin?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, apart from routes for repatriation through Bolshevik lines, anti-Bolshevik prisoners can be repatriated by sea to the various anti-Bolshevik fronts, and in the case of the Baltic States they can be repatriated also by rail. With regard to the third portion of the question, the French are already hastening the repatriation of all Russians at present in France, and would be unlikely to consent to the removal of Russians from Germany to empty prison camps in France. The transport of volunteers to General Denikin's Army, therefore, does not arise in this connection, but endeavour is being made to induce the Germans to allow such Russians as volunteer for service with General Denikin to be transferred to the latter's area.