§ 44. Sir ALFRED KNOXasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the disturbances in China were fostered or aggravated by agents of another Government, he has now decided what action he will take to secure the cessation of such activities?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis question involves wide political issues, with which it is not possible to deal by means of question and answer.
§ Sir A. KNOXAre we to understand that His Majesty's Government are not making any representations on this subject yet?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have made no representations. This raises large and very important questions, which really cannot be handled by means of question and answer.
§ Sir W. DAVISONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not it is an express provision of the Trade Agreement that Russian emissaries should cease their propaganda against the British Empire, and, failing that, that the Agreement should be forfeited?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThis is a question not of propaganda against the British Empire but of Russian propaganda against the combined diplomatic body in China.
§ Mr. THURTLErose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think the hon. Member's question had better be put on the Paper.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask for your guidance, Mr. Speaker, in this matter? Is it within the ordinary procedure of this House for an hon. Member to put down a question which definitely states that some other Government has caused certain disturbances in some other nation, unless substantial proof can be given of the statement made?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI did not see anything which was a ground for refusing this 2001 question. The Foreign Secretary has a right to decline to answer a question of this kind.
§ Mr. MACKINDEROn a point of Order. May I point out to you, Mr. Speaker, that in the question on the Paper it states: "in view of the fact" that certain things have happened? Is it possible for us to get to know how that has been stated as a fact?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that would be a matter for me. I usually watch these questions very carefully, to see if they contain unfair implications.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs it not a fact that the question on the Paper is based on the statement made by the Foreign Secretary himself?
§ Mr. BASIL PETOIs it not a fact that in the official organ of the Soviet Government, Zinovieff has gloried in the fact that he is at the bottom of these disturbances?
§ Mr. W. THORNERussia on the brain!
§ Mr. SPEAKERI do not think I can do anything more. I did not see a ground for refusing the question.