HC Deb 09 July 1917 vol 95 c1588
12. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that during the past few weeks German agents in Spain have been spreading reports that His Majesty's Government is working to produce revolutionary disturbances in that country; and what steps are being taken to deny and to counteract these falsehoods?

Mr. BALFOUR

Yes, Sir. I have information from Madrid and elsewhere which confirms the purport of my hon. Friend's question. German propaganda in such matters follows quite simple lines. In Russia, where autocracy has been abolished, it declares that we are secretly fostering reaction. In Spain, where there is a Constitutional monarchy, it proclaims that we are aiming at revolution. Both statements are untrue; both are absurd; both are inconsistent with the often expressed policy of His Majesty's Government, which is to leave other countries to manage their own domestic affairs in the manner they think best.

Sir P. MAGNUS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps are being taken to deny these false statements?

Mr. BALFOUR

I have just this instant taken the best step in my power.

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