HC Deb 28 November 1917 vol 99 cc1979-80
15. Mr. ANDERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the German Government, whilst extensively circulating amongst their troops and their people complacent official literature dealing with the War and war aims, suppress or subject to severe censorship all leaflets and pamphlets of an independent character bearing on the same question; and whether he can take steps, with the help of the War Aims Committee, to place before the British people this example of the effects upon liberty of opinion of Prussian militarism?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Lord R. Cecil)

I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the facts stated in the first part of the question. The second part is not a matter which concerns the Foreign Office.

General CROFT

Is the Noble Lord aware of the fact that pacifist utterances in this country are very freely circulated in Germany in order to encourage the troops?

Lord R. CECIL

Yes, Sir; that is so.

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Is the Noble Lord aware that the speeches most widely circulated in Germany are those of the Prime Minister, and Mr. Hughes, of Australia?

HON. MEMBERS

Answer!