62. Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the setting up by the Communist International of a special Chinese commission for the purpose of fostering anti-British intrigues in China; whether he is aware that, in order to emphasise this side of the commission's work, Mr. Brown, the permanent secretary of the British section of the International, has been given a special post on the commission; and whether the British representative in Russia will be instructed to make representations on the matter to the Soviet Government with a view to the observance of the pledge give under the trade agreement to refrain from anti-British propaganda?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONAs regards parts 1 and 2 of this question, I have seen a report in the Press, but I have no official information. As regards part 3, it is doubtful whether such representations would have any useful effect, even if more detailed information were available.
Sir F. HALLAre we to understand that the Government presumably have no power at all with the Soviet Government, and that they do not think any of the promises made by the Soviet Government are worth the paper on which they are written?
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that the anti-British sentiment in Shanghai is due to the action of the British Government and of British capitalists in general?
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs my hon. Friend not aware that there are special provisions in the Trade Agreement dealing with this very matter, and that if the Russian Government do not take notice of representations which are made to them, it is 1908 specially provided in the Trade Agreement that the Trade Agreement should be cancelled?
§ Sir H. BRITTAINWould it not be worth while trying to make these representations, whatever the results might be?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONMy hon. Friends must realise that, in answer to a question, the whole of this matter was raised the other day, and the Secretary of State gave a very full answer, to which I really do not think I can usefully add anything.
Sir F. HALLHas the hon. Gentleman seen the Report recently made by M. Zinoviev on this very matter, and will he see that they get into touch with the Soviet Government and draw their attention to the promises they made in the Trade Agreement?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONAs was pointed out by my right hon. Friend the other day, we do not think any representations on this particular question will do any good.