HC Deb 26 June 1918 vol 107 cc1033-4
22. Mr. LEES-SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether M. Troelstra, the Dutch Socialist leader, has been refused permission to visit this country in response to the invitation issued to him to attend the Labour Party Conference; if so, what is the reason for this refusal; and whether it is sanctioned by the Government?

Lord R. CECIL

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative. It was thought that, in all the circumstances of the case it was not desirable in the public interest that M. Troelstra should come here at the present time.

Mr. LEES-SMITH

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the circumstances of the case are, and whether he does not consider that it is now wiser that the peoples of the different countries should be allowed to get into touch with each other?

Lord R. CECIL

It would serve no useful purpose to add anything to my answer.