HC Deb 06 March 1917 vol 91 cc189-90
4. Mr. DILLON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his at tention has been called to the fact that Lord Milner has delivered a number of speeches in Russia during the last three weeks; and whether it is due to any request or interference by the censorship that no full reports of these speeches have appeared in any of the newspapers of this country?

Lord R. CECIL

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second, in the negative.

Mr. DILLON

Can the Noble Lord give any explanation of the fact that when other Ministers speak we have full reports of their statements, which are of great public interest, and no report of what Lord Milner says?

Lord R. CECIL

I am afraid I cannot give any explanation. I can only say the Government have had no share or part in suppressing any part of the speeches.

Mr. LYNCH

Is this Government going to pursue the "hide-the-truth" policy which was so disastrous to their predecessors?

Lord R. CECIL

I do not know to what the hon. Member refers.

Mr. KING

When the Noble Lord says that this Government has had no part, does he refer to the Foreign Office, or does he include also the War Office in the censorship?

Lord R. CECIL

I answer for my own Department, but I believe in this case I can answer for all Departments.

Mr. S. MacNEILL

Was there any difficulty? In what language did Lord Milner speak?

Mr. GINNELL

Was it not in German?

Lord R. CECIL

I was not there.

Mr. RONALD McNEILL

Was it not Irish?