§ 45. Mr. LYLEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of Bolshevist activity in the Malay States and the Straits Settlements; whether the recent Russian agreement applies to this part of the British Empire; and whether any steps can be taken to check the circulation in the parts of the Empire referred to of Bolshevist literature emanating from the United States.
§ Mr. AMERYMy right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. No report of Bolshevist activities in the Straits Settlements and the Malay States has been received from the Governor and High Commissioner. The recent Russian Trade Agreement applies only to trade between the United Kingdom and Russia, but the undertaking entered into by the Russian Soviet Government in the preamble to the Agreement to refrain from conducting any official propaganda applies to British Malaya. The laws of the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States prohibit the circulation of seditious publications under stringent penalties.