§ 7. Mr. TAYLORasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the principle contained in the declaration of recognition of claims in the last part of the trade agreement of 1921 between Great Britain and Russia is regarded by His Majesty's Government as a satisfactory basis for the reopening of negotiations between Great Britain and Russia, so far as the question of debts and compensation to British nationals are concerned?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir, but only so far as debts and compensation are concerned. The declaration attached to the 1921 treaty does not affect the situation as regards the propaganda conducted by the Soviet Government against this country.
§ Mr. TAYLORMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the only difficulty to the reopening of negotiations is the question of propaganda now?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI doubt it. Until propaganda and action hostile to the British Empire has ceased, His Majesty's Government cannot reopen negotiations.
§ Mr. TAYLORArising out of that answer, may I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman refers to propaganda in this country or to propaganda in other parts of the world?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI refer to both.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman any information which will go to show that this propaganda has not ceased at the moment?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINYes, Sir.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the pre-War years even Tsarist Russia conducted propaganda in Afghanistan?