HC Deb 16 November 1920 vol 134 cc1669-70
37. Mr. DOYLE

asked the Home Secretary if he can give any information as to the identity, whereabouts, or disposal of the £75,000 alleged to have been sent by the emissaries of the Soviet government of Russia to the "Daily Herald," and alleged to have been declined by the directors of that paper?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

My information is that rather more than £40,000 out of the £75,000 were the proceeds of a sale of precious stones sent over by the Soviet Government, and that this sum was invested in Exchequer Bonds by Mr. Francis Meynell, then a director of the "Daily Herald." It is not known what has been done with the bonds.

Mr. DOYLE

Is it the intention of the Government to attach and confiscate these funds which were sent into this country for propaganda purposes, and will the right hon. Gentleman say what methods are adopted in the United States and France to deal with similar moneys?

Mr. DEVLIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman make investigations as to where the money comes from that supports the Government papers in this country?

Mr. DOYLE

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my question.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.