12. Mr. PONSONBYasked on what grounds the Hon. Bertrand Russell has been refused a passport to enable him to proceed to the United States to take up his duties as lecturer in philosophy and mathematics at Harvard University?
§ Lord R. CECILHis Majesty's Government do not consider it to be in the public interest to issue a passport to enable Mr. Russell to leave the United Kingdom at the present time. No application from him has, however, been refused since, I am informed, he has made none.
Mr. PONSONBYMay I ask the Noble Lord whether the Ambassador at Washington has received any representations from the authorities of Harvard Uni- 1205 versity on this subject, and whether, considering that this is a purely academic appointment, the Foreign Office cannot see their way to reverse their decision?
§ Lord R. CECILI should like notice of the first part of the question. As to the second part, I do not see any prospect of His Majesty's Government reversing their decision.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think that the refusal to allow this distinguished philosopher to fulfil an engagement made long months ago to lecture to the students at Harvard University is likely to cause a great deal of misunderstanding in the United States?
§ Sir H. CRAIKMay I ask whether the resources of Harvard University will be so destitute in philosophy and mathematics if the services of this gentleman are lost to them?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis seems to be leading to a debate.