66. Colonel BURNasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to a pamphlet that is being widely distributed by post advocating Bolshevism, and quoting the Russian correspondent of the "Daily News" as proving that Russia is flourishing under Bolshevist rule, that the universities have increased from six to sixteen, the number of students increased, and 1,100 versts of railway and 1,200 versts of roads are under construction; and if he will say what steps does he intend to take to counteract this propaganda?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)The leaflet to which the hon. and gallant Member appears to refer consists of extracts from Arthur Ransome's book, "Six Weeks in Russia in 1919." The real facts about the effects of Bolshevism, both in Russia and Hungary, are described almost daily in the newspapers, and so many persons, quite as well informed at first hand as the author of the leaflet, are publishing their experiences, that no further steps seem to be called for. I gather that from Mr. Ransome's book the information it contains is founded on a short trip to Russia, undertaken under the auspices of the Soviet Government while there is abundance of evidence available to the public which is derived from more independent sources, and is based on wider experience.
Colonel BURNDocs the right hon. Gentleman think that the truth actually reaches those people? Is he aware that a great deal of money is being spent on the circulation of this travesty of the facts?
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKHas any good come out of Russia at all?