§ 22. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received reports from America of Mrs. Pankhurst's speeches in favour of Japanese intervention in Siberia; and whether, as Mrs. Pankhurst was allowed to go to America in Allied interests, these speeches indicate that the Allies have now decided that Japanese forces will enter and occupy the Eastern territory of Russia?
Mr. BALFOURI have received no reports on Mrs. Pankhurst's speeches in America, and know nothing beyond what has appeared in the Press. No inferences as to Allied intentions can properly be drawn from her statements.
§ Mr. KINGMay we conclude, therefore, that she did not go in the Allied interests in order to advocate any policy or propaganda?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODOn whose recommendation was Mrs. Pankhurst sent to America?
Mr. BALFOURI do not think she was sent on anybody's recommendation, but, if my hon. and gallant Friend is anxious to have particulars, I will make inquiries.
§ Sir H. CRAIKBy whom was the passport granted, seeing that so many of these passports are at present being refused?
Mr. BALFOURThe giving of a passport is a quite different matter from giving it on a recommendation. As to the comparative claims of Mrs. Pankhurst and other ladies who wish to go to America, I am afraid I cannot answer that question. These matters are dealt with by a Committee to which I have referred more than once in this House. I do not know what is the basis on which my right hon. Friend (Sir H. Craik) would desire a comparison to be made.
§ Sir H. CRAIKTo what Department is this Committee responsible? I myself have been sent to no less than three Departments—the Foreign Office, the Admiralty, and the Colonial Office—who have all said that they have no power ever this Committee.
Mr. BALFOURIf my right hon. Friend wishes to put a question about the Committee—which has nothing whatever to do with the question on the Paper—I shall be pleased to do my best to answer it.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that Mrs. Pankhurst's expenses are not paid out of public funds?
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department refused a passport to a woman to take her 333 husband's place who is coming from Canada to fight for this country, on the ground that there was no shipping accommodation, and yet they gave permission to Mrs. Pankhurst to go?