§ 18. Mr. BILLINGasked whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the nationality and religion of Mr. Litvinoff; whether any steps have been taken to ascertain the origin of his passport; whether he will say by whom it was issued; whether he will say whether Mr. Litvinoff is a Russian linguist; and, if not, what language is employed at the alleged Embassy in London?
§ Sir G. CAVEAs far as I am aware, Mr. Litvinoff is of Russian nationality, holds, or recently held, a Russian passport, and speaks Russian. I do not know what his religion is. I believe that Russian is the language used at his office.
§ Mr. BILLINGCan the right hon. Gentleman say who.granted his passport and who signed it?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Russian Vice- Consul.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs this House to understand that, despite the fact that the Government state that they do not recognise Lenin and Trotsky as the Russian Government, they recognise their signature on passports, and do they intend to continue to do so?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe passport was granted by the previous Russian Government.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Litvinoff is the representative of Trotsky and Lenin in this country, and as they represent only a. small German Jewish minority in Russia, and not the Russian people, will he give this matter his consideration?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have given the matter consideration. This passport was granted by the representative of the previous Russian Government.
§ Mr. BILLINGIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to consider the advisability of removing Mr. Litvinoff from this country, having regard to his activities in our arsenals and other works?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe question has been considered, and we are continuing to consider it.
§ 23. Major HUNTasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that M. Litvinoff was a friend and comrade of Trotsky and Lenin, and that he has been sending round revolutionary literature to munition works and trades unions in this country; and whether he is to be allowed to continue this, although against the rules of the Defence of the Realm Act?
§ Sir G. CAVEI am aware of M. Litvinoff's position and activities. He will certainly not be allowed to circulate literature in contravention of the law.
§ Major HUNTIn view of the fact that Litvinoff is a comrade of Trotsky and Lenin, who have brought starvation and bloodshed into Russia with German money, is not this man doing the same thing in this country, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman take prompt steps to stop this sort of thing going on? Why is he allowed to stop in this country at all?
§ Sir G. CAVEThat is a matter better raised in debate, when I can give a full answer.
§ Mr. BILLINGHaving regard to the answer that steps will be taken, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Litvinoff has already issued revolutionary literature, does he propose to prosecute him for what has already been done; and will the right hon. Gentleman remember that while he is considering, the Government and the country are sitting on the edge of a volcano?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is not a question of considering. I know exactly what I am going to do, and why I am going to do it, but I do not think it is desirable to discuss these matters now across the floor of the House.
§ Major HUNTWill the right hon. Gentleman look sharp about it?