§ 4. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has 1254 now considered the Soviet constitution adopted in July last as the Russian form of social democracy; whether the question has been discussed, or a decision taken, as to the need of suppressing this Soviet form of government so as to make the world secure for democracy; and whether it is at the wish or instigation of the Foreign Office or of any foreign (Allied) Power that copies of Lenin's pamphlet of exposition, which has no reference to the War or terms of peace, have been suppressed and confiscated?
§ Lord R. CECILI have seen a summary of the "Constitution" referred to as it appeared in the Russian Press. The answer to the two last parts of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGIs the Noble Lord aware that complete and authorised copies of this contribution are being sold in large numbers, and will he procure a copy for the benefit of the Foreign Office?
§ Lord R. CECILI said I had seen a copy.
§ Mr. KINGI think the Noble Lord said he had only seen a summary. That is very different from a full report, and is it not best to have the complete words?
§ Lord R. CECILAs a matter of fact, the word here is "summary," but the document I have seen appeared to me to be a complete copy.