HC Deb 19 July 1916 vol 84 cc1007-8
37. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked if the Director of Special Intelligence has informed the proprietors of the "Times," the "Daily Mail," the "Morning Post," the "Labour Leader," and the "Tribunal" that the matter published in these journals has been used by the enemy for the purpose of his propaganda, and that in these circumstances no further copies of these journals will be allowed to leave the country; and, if some but not all of the news— papers named have received this intimation, will he say why certain of them have been specially selected for this prohibition?

Mr. FORSTER

The proprietors of the "Labour Leader" and the "Tribunal" were informed in the sense stated by direction of the Army Council and with the concurrence of the Home Office. The hon. Gentleman is misinformed in thinking that a similar communication was sent to any other newspaper.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why were not such communications sent to the " Times," " Daily Mail," and "Morning Post," seeing that the late Home Secretary said that extracts from the "Daily Mail" are being constantly used by the enemy for the purposes of their propaganda and are being translated into the European and Asiatic languages and are doing great damage to the cause of this country?

Mr. FORSTER

My hon. Friend will remember that that observation was made a long time ago and that we are now dealing with current issues.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Have any of these papers said a single word except for the prosecution of the War with the utmost vigour?

Mr. FORSTER

I think that is perfectly true.