HC Deb 20 October 1915 vol 74 cc1798-9
75. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether the statements published by several London newspapers in January last, that Roumania would shortly join the side of the Allies as a belligerent, were submitted to, and passed, by the Censor; and, if passed by the Censor, whether the confirmation of the Foreign Office or the War Office, or both, was secured before the permission to publish was given?

Sir J. SIMON

Without a specific reference to the statements referred to, it would be impossible, after such a lapse of time, to give a definite reply.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether the Censor guarantees the truth of the statements which he passes?

Sir J. SIMON

He certainly does not. He merely ascertains whether there is any objection on the part of the parties concerned to the publication of the statement

Mr. KING

When very important political statements are made in the Press, are they not subject for confirmation or comment to the offices concerned?

Sir J. SIMON

I do not think so. When a statement such as the hon. Gentleman describes is proposed to be made it is right that the responsible Department should be asked whether in the public interest there is any objection to its being made.

76. Mr. KING

asked whether the statement made in the public Press at the end of last January that the Bank of England had lent £5,000,000 to Roumania was, before being passed, submitted for confirmation to the Foreign Office or to the Treasury, or to both these Departments?

Sir J. SIMON

The statement was referred to the Foreign Office and the Treasury before being passed for publication. These Departments, while they did not confirm the accuracy of the statement, saw no reason to interfere with its publication.