HC Deb 07 June 1915 vol 72 cc73-5
30. Mr. RADFORD

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to statements made by a morning and an evening journal that they decline to publish an appeal by Lord Kitchener for 300,000 more recruits; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

38. Mr. KELLAWAY

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a particular group of London newspapers have endeavoured to prevent men joining the Army by refusing to publish Lord Kitchener's appeal for more men and by violently attacking the conditions laid down in the appeal; whether he is aware that these attacks come from the same source as the recent attacks on Lord Kitchener; and whether the Government have any power of stopping this mischievous campaign?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to the statements referred to. My information is that the action of these journals has appreciably stimulated the response to Lord Kitchener's appeal, and thereby enables us to feel confident that the men required will rapidly join the Colours.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that, under the Coalition Government, this malignant Press will not be allowed to continue its attacks on the leaders of the Nation without being brought to account?

Mr. TENNANT

In view of what has actually occurred, and as the action of these journals has been so successful in the object which they did not pursue, I think that no action on the part of His Majesty's Government is required.

Mr. KELLAWAY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the German Government is reprinting these articles from this malignant Press, and circulating them throughout neutral countries, and that they have already done almost irreparable harm in those countries?

Mr. TENNANT

I am not aware of that fact. That is a different situation from the one I was contemplating, which was that as the articles had stimulated recruiting in this country there was no need for action. That is a different point, and one which no doubt the hon. Member will ask my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to consider.

Mr. KELLAWAY

If I bring before the right hon. Gentleman evidence that these articles are being circulated by the German Government, will he deal with it?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes.

Mr. PRINGLE

Seeing that as a matter of fact, the action of these newspapers was intended to hinder recruiting, should they not on that account be dealt with?

Mr. TENNANT

That is the point I was endeavouring to make. They have been so singularly unsuccessful that I do not think any action on the part of the Government is either necessary or desirable.