§ Mr. KINGThe subject I have to bring before the House is one of great simplicity, and can be very quickly stated. Probably the Government was not aware until yesterday that the ex-Foreign Secretary, Viscount Grey, has written a pamphlet, called "The League of Nations." Whether they had heard of it or not, nobody seems to have read it, for when I asked why this pamphlet had not been submitted to the Censor, in accordance with the well-known Regula- 1364 tion 27c, or whether an inquiry had been made of the author and publisher, and what action it was proposed to take, I received this afternoon the extraordinary reply that "This pamphlet has not to do"—I am not responsible for the grammar—"with the present War or the making of peace." I cannot imagine how anybody who has read this pamphlet and who is in a state of mental capacity—sometimes I am rather doubtful whether that is possessed by every member of the Government, though I will admit that the representative of the Home Office, whom I am glad to see in his place, has as much qualification in that respect as any other Member—could say that this pamphlet has "not to do with this War or the making of peace." It is a most astounding assertion. The whole argument of this pamphlet is that this War is a unique War, more terrible, more devastating, than any other previous war, and that we must have a particular kind of peace or civilisation as a whole will go under. That, in brief, is the argument of the pamphlet. To tell us it has nothing to do with war or the making of peace makes one wonder whether there is any sense or any sincerity in, I will not say the Minister who makes the answer, but in the official who has been asked to draft the reply. The real fact is that it is not a question whether this pamphlet has to do with the War and the making of peace, but whether, according to the Regulation, the terms of which are very clear, it is intended or likely to be used for propaganda purposes in relation to the present War or the making of peace, and whether it is intended or likely to be used for propagandist purposes. We have had it on record that a text taken from the Bible—which certainly was not written or even inspired for the use of war—if it happened to be printed in a leaflet and circulated in the street, such a text, for instance, as "Blessed are the Peacemakers," would come under this Regulation. That has been announced to us. The Government to-day, in answer to Question 45, said that they would circulate widely this pamphlet in neutral and enemy countries. Therefore, a pamphlet which has nothing to do with the War or the making of peace, which is outside this Regulation, is to be circulated in neutral and enemy countries by this wonderful Government. Plainly, the Government are in a quandary, first, because they do not understand their own 1365 Regulations; secondly, because they have not got an official who can draft a sensible and logical answer; and, thirdly, because they dare not say anything against Viscount Grey, who, in my opinion, would make a very good Prime Minister, instead of the present Prime Minister. Surely this matter needs some explanation? I do not want to do anything but give a good advertisement to this pamphlet, which is an excellent one, but I do want to see some consistency, intelligence, and common sense in Government policy—qualities for which we 1366 look in vain. I invite my right hon. Friend to give me such reply as I may fairly expect he will give. I have already had the opportunity of conversing with him on this subject, and think be understands my point of view.
§ Notice taken that forty Members were not present; House counted, and forty Members not being present—
§ The House was adjourned at Ten minutes after Eleven o'clock till Monday next, pursuant to the Order of the of the 13th February.