HC Deb 04 July 1927 vol 208 cc851-3
6. Mr. CECIL WILSON (for Mr. WALLHEAD)

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the prohibition of the introduction of the Calcutta daily newspaper "Forward" into Burma; whether any intimation of the Government's intention in this respect was given to those responsible for the production of the paper before the imposition of the ban; and whether he will make a statement as to the reasons for this action?

Earl WINTERTON

I have seen only Press notices, which suggest that after a warning the paper may have been excluded from Burma. My Noble Friend is expecting further information.

Mr. WARDLAW-MILNE

Can the Noble Lord give the House any indication as to the nature of the warning?

Earl WINTERTON

I think it was based on an article of a very offensive and inaccurate character, charging the Government of hon. Members opposite and His Majesty's Government with having fomented disturbances in China, and containing a very aggressive attack on the Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. THURTLE

Is the Noble Lord aware that the article complained of suggested that the military concentration was to take place in Burma instead of as at present?

Earl WINTERTON

Yes, inter alia, but it also accused the Government of hon. Members opposite of having fomented disturbances in China by bribing the Cantonese, and referred to the Leader of the Opposition as "a mealy-mouthed Labour leader who has been playing the dirtiest of games." The article contained some most offensive and inaccurate statements, and a letter was written from the Government of Bengal to the editor of the paper in question saying that, if his paper continued printing these articles, it would be excluded.

Mr. THURTLE

May we take it that the Government of Burma now constitute themselves defenders of the Leader of the Opposition in this country?

Earl WINTERTON

No, but it is concerned to see that lies are not told in newspapers.

Mr. LANSBURY

Can the Noble Lord say whether the editor of this newspaper has been in consultation or correspondence with the Noble Lord who is at the head of the India Office?

Earl WINTERTON

No. But I have had the advantage, or disadvantage, according to the way in which you look at it, of reading the article in question.