HC Deb 14 April 1921 vol 140 c1290
44. Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER - SHEE

asked the Prime Minister how many Russian Bolsheviks have been allowed passports to this country under Article 4 of the Russian Trade Agreement since it was signed; and whether these persons are being carefully watched by the police to see that they do not indulge in propaganda in this country, in view of the instructions recently issued by Messrs. Bukharin, Berezin, and Pavlov Veltmau that trade delegations were to use every effort to spread discontent and cause strikes and disturbances?

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

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. Permission has been given, so far, for three Russians to come to this country under the Article referred to. As regards the latter part of the question, I beg to refer to answers given in the last few days by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the House, to the effect that the instructions in question were stated by Krassin to be a forgery, and that in any case all due precautions against inflammatory propaganda would be taken.

Lieut.-Colonel ARCHER-SHEE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these categorical denials by Bolsheviks are generally categorical falsehoods, and will he therefore see that the police watch these people, especially at this time?

Mr. SHORTT

All precautions will be taken.

Mr. HOWARD GRITTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from the undertakings of the Soviet Government, the Moscow International, holding itself to be quite free and independent of that Government, is pushing its propaganda, and, of course, Lenin knows nothing about it?

Mr. RAPER

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the names of the three Russians to whom permission has been granted to come to England?

Mr. SHORTT

I cannot do that at the moment. I will get them.