HC Deb 17 February 1921 vol 138 cc299-300W
Mr. E. HARMSWORTH

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government paid the hotel expenses of its delegates to the various conferences at Paris and other places; and, if so, why are we paying the expenses of the various delegates who are coming to London for the Near East Conference?

Sir A. MOND

The hotel expenses of the British delegations to all the various Peace Conferences, with the exception of the original Peace Conference at Paris, were borne by the Governments of the respective countries in which the Conferences were held. On the occasion of the present conference in London, the British Government is returning the hospitality extended to its delegations at previous conferences.

Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Prime Minister whether the Russian Government has been, or will be, invited to send a representative to London for the forthcoming conference there with the representatives of the Constantinople and Angora Governments on the Turkish and Near Eastern questions?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Russian Government was invited in the summer to a conference in London with the Allies to settle up all outstanding questions in which Russia was concerned affecting the peace of the world, but as an acceptance of that invitation at that time involved their arresting the victorious career of their invading armies in Poland they foolishly declined it. We do not propose to renew that invitation for this conference.

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