§ 58. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention hs been called to recent issues of the Russian papers and official organs of the Soviet Government, the "Pravda" and "Isvestia," in which violent attacks are made on the late Lord Curzon and which contain offensive cartoons directed against the Crown; whether he is aware that these journals are being gratuitously distributed in this country by an official Russian agency; and whether he will draw the attention of the Soviet Government to this breach of the undertaking regarding propaganda?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Ronald McNeill)His Majesty's Government are aware that offensive articles and cartoons appear from time to time in the Soviet Press which is on sale in this country. The sale is, I believe, small, and His Majesty's Government have no evidence of any considerable free distribution. I do not suppose that these Russian publications have any effect upon opinion here, unless it be to excite disgust, and they may well be left to the contempt they deserve.
§ Mr. LANSBURYMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any limitation of the circulation of anti-Bolshevist literature amongst the British delegation in Moscow—whether the "Morning Post" is sold?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have no information.
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe right hon. Gentleman knows it as well as I do. Of course it is.