9. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for India what is the number of unsuccessful Bolshevist agents who are known to have been recalled from India by the Moscow Government; why these persons were allowed to carry on their propaganda in defiance of the terms of the Anglo-Russian trade agreement until voluntarily withdrawn by the Bolshevists themselves; and if he is in a position to give approximately the number of agents who are considered by the Soviet Government to be sufficiently successful to justify their retention in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy hon. and gallant Friend appears to base his question on the assumption that the reference which I made to Bolshevist agents in my statement last Tuesday was a reference to Bolshevist agents in India. That assumption is not correct. As regards the particulars for which he asks, I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will agree with me that to make public any specific information that we may possess on this subject would be highly inexpedient.
Sir F. HALLAm I to understand that my right hon. Friend does not attribute arty of the trouble at all to the Bolshevik propaganda in India?
§ Mr. MONTAGUMy hon. and gallant Friend must distinguish between Bolshevik propaganda by agents in India and Bolshevik propaganda aimed at India from outside its frontiers.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman mean that, because a man holds extreme views in carrying out propaganda in India, he is a Bolshevik?
§ Mr. MONTAGUNo, Sir; I understand that there are people holding extreme 1692 views on one side and the other side who are not Bolshevists.
§ Mr. THORNEWhat is the definition of a Bolshevist?