§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any definite contracts with firms in the country have yet been placed under the Russian trade agreement; and, if so, whether he can specify them and state how payment has been arranged?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have at present no information, as such contracts would be concluded by the firms direct.
§ Sir S. HOAREasked the Prime Minister whether any reply has been received from the Bolshevik Government to the letter handed to M. Krassin simultaneously with the trade agreement in connection with Bolshevik propaganda and espionage in Central Asia?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA telegram has been received from M. Tchicherin acknowledging the receipt by courier on 31st March of the text of the Agreement and of the letter referred to. M. Tchicherin assures the British Government of the "firm resolve" of the Soviet Government to execute strictly all engagements entered into by agreement. He states in regard to the letter that a "special study" is being made of the questions raised, and that the results will shortly be made known.