THE OLIVE BRANCH

Southland Times, Issue 20206, 17 June 1927, Page 7

THE OLIVE BRANCH

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF RELATIONS INITIATIVE WITH SOVIET (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) London, June 15. In the House of Commons Mr G. LockerLampson (Under-Secret ary for Foreign Affairs), in reply to questions, said thht the initiative in improving the relations between Britain and Russia should come from the Soviet, whose activities had compelled the suspensions of relations. Lord Birkenhead, in a speech on June 4, had made clear the conditions upon which normal relations could be re-established. The Soviet knew that if it made constructive proposals Britain would consider them, but first the Soviet must abstain from propaganda against Britain. Mr Robert Hudson (C.) asked: “Were the twenty Russians recently executed employed as spies by the British Mission?” Mr Locker-Lampson: “I answer emphatically in the negative.” The Rev. Campbell Stephen (Lab.) : “Do you suggest that the British Mission in Russia does not employ spies?” Mr Locker-Lampson: “It certainly does not. We do not employ any spies.” Mr G. Buchanan (Lab.) : “What a lie.” The Speaker: “That is a most improper interruption. It must be withdrawn.” Mr Buchanan consulted his colleagues, but did not indicate his willingness to withdraw the remark, whereupon the Speaker called on him to withdraw from the Chamber, and Mr Buchanan walked out. —A. and N.Z. and Sun Cable.