HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 cc1714-5
52. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the recent articles in the "Daily Chronicle" supporting the policy of M. Litvinoff; whether he is aware that the editor of the "Daily Chronicle," Mr. Robert Donald, has recently been appointed Director of Propaganda in Neutral Countries; and whether this appointment following Mr. Robert Donald's apparent support of the Bolshevik movement may be taken as an indication that the Government approve of the propaganda work carried out by M. Litvinoff in this country, and consider it in the best interests of the Allied cause that it should be extended to all neutral countries?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The allegations contained in the first part of the question are, in my opinion, entirely without foundation; the latter part does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. BILLING

Has the right hon. Gentleman studied the file of the "Daily Chronicle" since August, 1914, and is he not aware that ever since M. Litvinoff arrived in this country he has been boosted by the "Daily Chronicle," and interviewed, and everything else?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot say I have studied the file, but it is one of the papers I have looked at, and, on the whole, I think it has played a very patriotic part throughout the War. Is it not possible that the hon. Member's views are biassed by the recollection of previous articles relating to the hon. Member for East Herts?

Mr. BILLING

I will, with your permission, Sir, not reply to so disgraceful an observation. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this paper has supported M. Litvinoff, and does the Government approve of that, having regard to the fact that they have appointed the editor as their Minister of Propaganda in Neutral Countries? Are we to understand that they wish Bolshevik principles to be preached in neutral countries?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No; we differ as to the facts. So far as I have seen the paper has not supported Bolshevism in any shape or form.