HC Deb 18 February 1918 vol 103 cc461-3
56. Major HUNT

asked whether the Government intend to allow Russians of military age to stay in this country and take the businesses and employment of our own men taken for the Army; and whether Russians of military age are to be allowed to continue to come freely into this country and consume the food required for our own people?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir G. Cave)

As regards the first part of the question, the action which should now be taken with regard to Russians of military age in this country is under the consideration of the Minister of National Service, and I stall be ready to co-operate with him in the matter. The suggestion in the second part of the question that Russians of military age are allowed to come freely into this country is without foundation. As I explained to the hon. and gallant Member in reply to his question on 22nd October last, the most stringent restrictions have been in force with regard to the admission of aliens to this country since the outbreak of war, and there is no free admission of Russians or other aliens.

Mr. BILLING

How did Litvinoff get into this country? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is addressing a public meeting to-night, and will he have that meeting stopped?

Major HUNT

Does the Government make any difference in letting aliens into this country according to whether they are of military age or are not?

Sir G. CAVE

I am not sure of that, but they have to show very good reasons for coming. They have to obtain passports from our representative abroad, and they are under the supervision of the Aliens Officers.

Mr. BILLING

Will this meeting tonight be allowed to take place, and will Mr. Litvinoff be allowed to advocate revolution in this country?

Mr.SPEAKER

That does not arise on this question, and—

Mr. BILLING

Will this meeting—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member would do me the courtesy of listening to me, he would understand that his question does not arise out of the question on the Paper, and requires notice.

57. Major HUNT

asked whether Lenin, Trotsky, and Kameneff, or any of them, are to be allowed to come into this country and advocate revolution, as has already been done by M. Litvinoff?

Mr. BALFOUR

His Majesty's Government have no knowledge of any intention on the part of Messrs. Lenin or Trotsky to visit England. It is understood that Mr. Kameneff is coming to England, but there is no question of permitting a revolutionary propaganda.

Mr. BILLING

Is the last-named gentleman to be allowed to address revolutionary meetings, or will the Home Secretary prevent it?

Major HUNT

Will the Government allow M. Litvinoff to go on with his revolutionary propaganda, and is M. Kameneff to be allowed to advocate revolution?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is putting the same question which he has already put on the Paper.

Mr. BILLING

In view of the urgency of the matter, am I in order in repeating my question to the Home Secretary as to whether he is going to stop this meeting in London to-night?

Sir G. CAVE

I have just been informed of the meeting, and I am going to take what steps I think proper.