HC Deb 09 July 1918 vol 108 cc135-6
2. Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is an official ban on British newspapers against publishing news indicating that the Allies are helping the Russians against the aggression of Germany; whether British newspapers are forbidden to reproduce telegrams published in Russian newspapers describing the assistance which is being given to Russia by the Allies; whether he is aware that the news published in the Russian newspapers is accessible to the German military authorities; and, if so, why should Germany be in possession of information published in the Russian newspapers which is forbidden publication in the British Press?

Lord R. CECIL

There is no ban on Press statements concerning Russia beyond the ordinary military censorship, which applies to all publications concerning military operations. Any question connected with this latter should be addressed to the War Office.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is the Noble Lord aware that newspapers in this country have been forbidden to publish information that has been published in the Russian newspapers, and which therefore is available to the enemy?

Lord R. CECIL

All I can say is that so far as my office is concerned we do not know anything about it. I do not know how the prohibition which has been placed has been issued. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will be kind enough to let me have particulars.

Mr. KING

Is the Noble Lord aware that through the mistakes of other Departments his Department gets unjustly blamed, and therefore he ought to look into it?

Lord R. CECIL

I am sure that if my Department is blamed it is blamed unjustly.