Delegations to Great Britain.

Oral Answers to Questions — Russia. – in the House of Commons am ar 18 Mehefin 1924.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr James Gilbert Mr James Gilbert , Southwark Central

7.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been any change in the personnel of the Russian delegation sent to this country to discuss negotiations with the Soviet Government; if so, will he state what changes have been made; and how many of the original delegates are still in this country and acting in the negotiations?

Photo of Mr Arthur Ponsonby Mr Arthur Ponsonby , Sheffield, Brightside

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not, therefore, arise. As far as I am aware, nine of the delegates are at present in this country.

Photo of Sir William Davison Sir William Davison , Kensington South

52.

asked the Prime Minister what is the total staff of the Soviet diplomatic and trade delegations now in this country; where their office or offices are situated; and whether the Government are satisfied that no Com- munist or other propaganda against the laws and institutions of this country is being carried on by any member of the said delegations or of the staffs attached thereto?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Aberafan

According to the information at my disposal, the staff of the Soviet Embassy numbers approximately 22 persons and that of the Soviet Trade Delegation 16 persons. The address of the Embassy is 128, New Bond Street, and that of the trade delegation 49, Moorgate Street. With regard to the last part of the question, I have no official information.

Photo of Sir William Davison Sir William Davison , Kensington South

Do I understand that the total staffs attached to the trade delegation and the Embassy only number 20 or 30 people?

Photo of Sir William Davison Sir William Davison , Kensington South

It is not the case that there is a number like 100 or 200?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Aberafan

That is my information.

Photo of Mr Ronald McNeill Mr Ronald McNeill , Canterbury

The right hon. Gentleman says he has no official information. Does that mean he does not regard this as a matter of any importance, or that there is no means of ascertaining?

Photo of Mr Ramsay Macdonald Mr Ramsay Macdonald , Aberafan

Certainly not the former.

Photo of Mr Ronald McNeill Mr Ronald McNeill , Canterbury

Will he take some steps to find out?