HC Deb 31 March 1920 vol 127 cc1246-7
46. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that M. Lenin, of Russia, and a train consisting of 15 cars, called Lenin's car, recently returned to Moscow after a tour on the western part of the Soviet Republic; that during this tour there were circulated more than half a million roubles' worth of books, papers, and pamphlets; that 150,000 proclamations and reports were delivered free; that 1,500 posters were displayed; that 556 organisations were supplied with various publications; that about 60 lectures were organised on various topical questions at which about 100,000 workers, peasants, and soldiers of the Red Army attended; and that similar trains are being prepared for all parts of Russia; and whether the Government have considered the advisability of adopting a similar policy with a view to circulating books, pamphlets, and reports giving the true position and explaining to the people what Socialism means, so that they will be able to distinguish the difference between Bolshevism, Communism, and Syndicalism?

Mr. BONAR LAW

His Majesty's Government have no authentic information about the propaganda being carried on by the Bolsheviks in Russia. With regard to the last part of the question the Government are not prepared to adopt a policy of the kind indicated.

Mr. FRANCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to carry out quieter educational methods without adopting the methods of Lord George Sanger?

Mr. BONAR LAW

We are carrying out quieter methods.

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