21. Colonel NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in many of the institutions and clubs for service and ex-service men sedition and revolution is being preached and fomented; are any of these institutions and clubs supported financially 1894 from Army or public funds; and, if so, will he cause immediate inquiry to be made?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI have no information to show that sedition and revolution are being preached in any institutions or clubs for service men. I believe, however, that in some associations of ex-service men there are some extremists who are active. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. So far as I am aware no grants are made from funds voted by Parliament.
22. Colonel NEWMANasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the constant and insidious attempts that are being made by members of republican and revolutionary organisations in this country to undermine the loyalty of the Army; and what steps is he taking to deal with the matter?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONYes, Sir; I am aware of these attempts, and the activities of extremists to undermine the loyalty of the Army are being carefully watched by the military authorities, and the necessary steps are being taken, but it would not be in the public interest to give details.
Colonel LOWTHERIs not the Soviet Government carrying on seditious propaganda work in this country at the present moment?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am afraid I cannot answer for the Soviet Government's activities, but there are Press reports of them.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIs it not the duty of the Government, if they know that certain persons are carrying on pernicious propaganda, to have them arrested and brought to trial?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe question of arrest depends upon whether they have committed any criminal offence, but it is possible to advocate certain views, the advocacy of which is very undesirable, and that is another matter.
Colonel LOWTHERIf I assure the right hon. Gentleman that propaganda work is taking place, will he take steps to prevent it?
§ Mr. THORNEIncluding the anti-Socialist gang?