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Enclosure. Poison Gas. 18. Major-General Sir Alfred .Knox asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether he is aware that several factories are being operated by the Soviet Government in Russia for the manufacture of poison gas ; and can he state the number and location of such factories, and the present and potential output ? Sir L. Worthington-Evans : His Majesty's Government have information that the study of gas warfare is being actively pursued in Soviet Russia. Numerous factories have been set up and are in course of erection, which are or will be capable of poison-gas production on a very considerable scale. It is not considered that any useful purpose will be served by detailing the number and location of such factories or by indicating their present and potential output, but there is no doubt that the Soviet military authorities are actively studying this type of warfare and making preparations on a large scale for its possible eventual use. Sir A. Knox : Can the right honourable gentleman state whether in his opinion the preparations being made for this kind of warfare in Russia are greater or less than in other countries ? Sir L. Worthington-Evans : There is no doubt that much greater preparations are being made in Russia than anywhere else in the world. Mr. Beckett : In view of the very unnatural effects of this warfare, cannot the right honourable gentleman consider whether an offer might be made to Russia aud all other countries that we are prepared to abandon this weapon entirely if they would be prepared to do the same ? Sir L. Worthington-Evans : I would draw the attention of the honourable member to the Convention at Washington and the proceedings which are now before the League of Nations. Russia is not a party to either of those. Mr. Maxton : Will the right honourable gentleman tell the House the source of his information about Russia % Sir L. Worthington-Evans : No, sir.

No. 20. New Zealand, No. 66. Sir,— Downing Street, 29th March, 1927. With reference to my telegram of the 28th March, I have the honour to transmit to Your Excellency, for the information of your Ministers, the accompanying copies of a circular despatch to His Majesty's Consular and Passport Control Officers in accordance with the request of His Majesty's Government in New Zealand regarding the admission to New Zealand as permanent residents of persons of Russian national ity. I have, &c., L. S. AMERY. Governor-General His Excellency General Sir C. Fergusson, Bart., LL.D., G.C.M.G., K.C.8., D.5.0., M.V.0., &c. Enclosure. Emigration op Russian Citizens to New Zealand. Passport Control Department, Foreign Office, 3rd March, 1927. 1. With reference to Circular S. 9515, of the 3rd April, 1925, the New Zealand Government do not desire that Russians who are sympathetic towards the present regime in Soviet Russia should be permitted to land in the Dominion, and the procedure outlined herein should be adopted by His Majesty's Consular and Passport Control officers outside Soviet Russia in dealing with applications made to them by Russian citizens for visas to proceed to New Zealand. 2. It must be clearly understood that persons desirous of landing in New Zealand must previously obtain (a) a permit issued under the New Zealand Immigration Regulations ; (/;) a visa from a British

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