HC Deb 31 May 1921 vol 142 cc824-5
37. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the appeal to the Moscow Soviet for funds published in the "Workers' Dreadnought," and to the statement in the same issue of the journal that it is constantly receiving money from foreign parts and whether the Government will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to stop this subsidising by alien organisations of newspapers established for the purpose of spreading sedition?

Mr. SHORTT

I doubt if the article in the "Dreadnought" of 21st May, to which the hon. and gallant Member no doubt refers, can be construed as containing an appeal to Moscow. The "Dreadnought" having quarreled with the Communist party, it is not believed that it has received money recently from Russia. I can add nothing to my recent replies with regard to legislation to prevent the importation of money for propaganda purposes.

Sir F. HALL

Do we understand that the Government practically shuts its eyes to the importation of money from foreign countries, which is undoubtedly used for the purpose of inciting trouble in our own country?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not know what my hon. Friend understands.

Sir F. HALL

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that what we desire to find out is what the Government understand, and does he recognise the difficulty we have in getting replies?