HC Deb 10 July 1918 vol 108 cc322-3
88. Mr. KING

asked the Home Secretary whether a pamphlet called "The Truth About the Secret Treaties," by the hon. and learned Member for Northampton, was submitted to the Censor in accordance with Regulation 27 c; and, if not, why this course was not adopted?

Sir G. CAVE

I am informed that this pamphlet was not submitted to the Press Bureau, and am inquiring why that course was not adopted.

Mr. KING

Can any rules be issued to show why this pamphlet should be submitted when Lord Grey's pamphlet had no need to be submitted? Are any rules made public to give an idea what pamphlets are or are not to be published?

Sir G. CAVE

The Regulation itself defines a pamphlet.

Mr. KING

But as everybody interprets the Regulation in a very different sense to every other person, how are we to get on?

Sir G. CAVE

All sensible men will come to the same conclusion.

Mr. MORRELL

Is not the only interpretation that the Government proceed against the writers of the pamphlets they dislike?

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it not the case that Lord Grey's pamphlet was treated as a war pamphlet by the War Aims Committee, and not by the right hon. Gentleman's Department?

Sir G. CAVE

No.

Sir H. GREENWOOD

Is it not a fact that the pamphlet issued by the hon. and learned Member for Northampton is treated exactly like the pamphlet published by Lord Grey, namely, it is issued as a document for propaganda purposes by the National War Aims Committee?

HON. MEMBERS

No!

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this pamphlet bears no indication of the address of the writer, and in other respects does not conform to the Regulation?

Sir G. CAVE

I have already said I am inquiring as to why the Regulation was not complied with. Perhaps this question may be deferred till then.

Mr. KING

Is it not a fact——

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had a very full answer.