§ 11. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to an article in the "Pravda," the official organ of the government in Russia, on the British coal industry, containing statements derogatory to His Majesty's Government, and to a booklet published by the Komintern in regard to Egypt, which is in parts offensive to King Fuad and hostile to Great Britain; and, in view of these publications, will he communicate with the Soviet Government and insist that Article 7 of the Protocol of 3rd October, 1929, and Article 16 of the Treaty of 8th August, 1924, are observed?
§ 15. Sir KINGSLEY WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement recently appearing in "Pravda," the official organ of the Russian Soviet Government, on the British coal industry, and stating that the next few months are to be spent in in- 943 creased agitation among the British miners and in preparation for the battle in April; and whether he proposes, in view of the undertaking recently given as to propaganda, to call the Soviet Government's attention to the matter?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI have seen an article by L. Berg published in the "Pravda" of 4th December, dealing with the coal industry in this country. This article, to which I presume the hon. Member refers, is not such as to call for notice on the part of His Majesty's Government. As regards the reported publication of a pamphlet on Egypt, I have at present no information beyond what has appeared in the Press, and must, therefore, refrain from expressing any opinion.
§ Sir K. WOODWhen the right hon. Gentleman sees serious statements like this appearing in an official organ, threatening trouble in the mining industry in the future, is he not going to take some action?
§ Mr. HAYCOCKWill the right hon. Gentleman pay any attention to articles against Russia appearing in the "Daily Mail"?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIn view of the resumption of diplomatic relations, does the right hon. Gentleman think the statement that the British Government is a capitalist tout friendly?
§ 16. Sir ASSHETON POWNALLasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Ambassador has presented his credentials?
Mr. HENDERSONI received the Soviet Ambassador informally this morning, but the formal presentation of his credentials has not yet taken place.
§ Sir A. POWNALLCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the reason for the delay in the formal presentation of his credentials?
Mr. HENDERSONI should have thought that the hon. Member was aware that this is not a matter which rests with members of the Government.
§ Sir A. POWNALLWill the right hon. Gentleman, who has apparently seen this gentleman unofficially, tell us what is the reason for the delay? There must be a reason.
Mr. HENDERSONPerhaps I can satisfy the hon. Member by saying that the delay is not on his side, but on our side.
§ Captain PETER MACDONALDIs it not a fact that this delay is due to the fact that the Dominions have not yet sanctioned his appointment?
§ 25. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement as to the arrival in London of a diplomatic representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and whether such representative has signified agreement on behalf of his Government with the interpretation placed by, the British Government on the pledge with regard to propaganda contained in Article 16 of the Treaty of the 8th August, 1924, referred to in paragraph 7 of the Protocol of the 3rd October, 1929, especially as regards the activities of the Third International?
Mr. HENDERSONThe diplomatic representative of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics arrived in London on the 12th December. With regard to the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I made to the hon. Member on the 3rd of December, and to previous replies on the same subject.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHas the right hon. Gentleman informed the House that pending the signing of the Memorandum referred to in the Protocol, the Soviet representative, or any representative of the Soviet Government, would be entitled to instigate propaganda, and is he assured that he is not doing so, pending the signing?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs the Soviet Ambassador capable of transacting or allowed to transact any official business before he has presented his credentials?
Mr. HENDERSONNo. He is only in the position to hold an informal conversation such as we had this morning, and I am arranging as speedy as possible for the presentation of the credentials.