HC Deb 01 May 1922 vol 153 cc960-2
39. Mr. GIDEON MURRAY

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether his attention has been drawn to a statement in the Press that a sum of£500,000 has just been assigned by the executive of the Third International, at Moscow, for the purpose of intensifying Communist propaganda in Great Britain and France; what steps the Government propose to take to prevent foreign moneys being introduced into this country for the purpose of promoting revolutionary propaganda directed towards the subversion of the constitution; and whether this serious announcement will be taken into account by the Prime Minister at Genoa?

32. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the resolution of the executive of the Third International at Moscow to allot a sum of 5,000,000 gold roubles for the purchase of foreign exchange in order to intensify Bolshevist propaganda in Great Britain and France; whether this action by the Third International conflicts with the Russian trade agreement; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent the spending by famine-stricken Russia of so large a sum in this country on subversive propaganda?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have seen a statement to this effect in the Press, but we have no official confirmation of it from our representative at Moscow. I shall communicate the report to the Prime Minister. If proof is obtained at any time that any money is being supplied or used here for illegal purposes action will at once be taken by the proper authorities.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late Secretary of State for India informed this House that a large part of the trouble in India was due to propaganda of this description?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not aware that my right hon. Friend made that statement. If my hon. and gallant Friend wishes to put a question on the subject I shall be glad if he will give me notice and also supply me with the reference.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

I will send a copy of the right hon. Gentleman's speech.

Mr. MURRAY

Is there any legislation at the present moment under which cases like this can be proceeded against?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There is great difficulty in answering questions so vaguely phrased as "cases like that." There is legislation for dealing with illegal operations. If the operations are not illegal there is no legislation for dealing with them.