HC Deb 21 June 1915 vol 72 cc921-2
17. Mr. RONALD MCNEILL

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that a man called Walter Newbold, said to be a graduate of an English university, has recently sent contributions from this country to an American pro-German newspaper, the "New York Call," appealing to American workers to put a stop to the manufacture of munitions of war for the Allies and to compel the Government of the United States to place an embargo on the export of war materials, including raw cotton and copper; if he can say whether these communications came to the notice of the Censor in this country; whether he is aware that Newbold has recently made speeches in South Wales of a character similar to his contributions to the American Press; and whether it is proposed to take proceedings against him under the Defence of the Realm Act?

The SECRETARY for STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

I understand that this matter is now under the consideration of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sir CHIOZZA MONEY

Has my right hon. Friend also under consideration the case of a well-known English newspaper, to which the same gentleman makes contributions?

Sir J. SIMON

I will make inquiries about that. Of course, it is the Attorney-General who advises.