HC Deb 04 November 1918 vol 110 cc1799-800
Mr. DILLON (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Northcliffe is at present in Paris; whether he is there in his private capacity or in his official capacity as Director of Foreign Propaganda; whether the statement of peace terms published to-day over Lord Northcliffe's name in all the chief newspapers of the world is part of his official foreign propaganda; and, if so, whether the terms stated may be accepted as the official view of the British Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not received any notice of that question, but I think I can answer it. Lord Northcliffe, as far as I know, is in Paris in his private capacity, though very likely he may be there in connection with the business of propaganda. With reference to the peace terms to which the hon. Gentleman referred, they are the expression of the views of Lord Northcliffe only.

Mr. DILLON

Not the Government! I put it to the right hon. Gentleman, in view of the fact that Lord Northcliffe is in charge of the foreign propaganda of the Government is it not natural to expect that this statement, published by him, as he boasts to-day, in all the chief newspapers of the world, will be taken as a statement on behalf of the British Government?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It would be a very wrong inference. I do not think it is likely to be made.

Mr. DILLON

I am sure of it!

Mr. WILLIAMS

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the terms announced this morning in the article published by Lord Northcliffe in the "Times" are going to be published in the enemy countries as part of the propaganda?

Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

Is it not possible to take Lord Northcliffe a little too seriously?

Mr. PRINGLE

Arising out of these answers, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the "limes" it is said that this article is to be circulated in Germany; and, if that is so, is the article not to be used for the purpose of propaganda?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I had not noticed that especial statement in the "Times," but the article is in every sense the work of Lord Northcliffe. The British Government were unaware of it, and in no sense responsible for it.

Mr. HOLT

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this article will not be circulated in Germany at the public expense?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot give that assurance. The question of what is and what is not good enemy propaganda is not one to which I could give an answer offhand and without consideration.