47. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, on paper obtained in Sweden, printed in Holland, and smuggled into this country, systematic attempts are being made to poison, by means of leaflets, the minds and sap the loyalty of our soldiers and classes of the civilian population; has the Government conferred on any person or Department the power to open letters addressed to soldiers or others which there is reason to believe may contain such matter; and, if so, why is not this power exercised?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The suggestion contained in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question has already been thoroughly investigated, and no substance underlying the suggestion could be found. As regards the second part of the question, all letters, printed matter, and parcels from neutral European countries, are examined whether addressed to soldiers or others in the United Kingdom. 38 If my hon. and gallant Friend has any evidence that letters have escaped the Censor, or that they have been smuggled into the country, I shall be glad if he will communicate it to me.
Major NEWMANIs it not a fact that what happens is that leaflets are smuggled into this country and are posted in this country; and is it not a fact that English letters are censorable and can be opened? That is my point.