HC Deb 23 December 1929 vol 233 cc1878-9
17. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House if he has now obtained an assurance from the Ambassador of the Soviet Government that the Soviet Government are in agreement 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. A. HENDERSON

No, Sir. I have stated the position of His Majesty's Government in this matter and do not consider any further action necessary.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is it not definitely laid down in the Protocol that assurances on these specific points will be given on the day when the Soviet Ambassador takes up his credentials?

Mr. HENDERSON

All the assurance which I expected is contained in the Note which was exchanged two days ago.

Sir W. DAVISON

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the point referred to in the question is satisfactorily met?

Mr. HENDERSON

Only experience will enable me to say whether I am satisfied or not.

Mr. HAYCOCK

Are the Russians satisfied with the fact that we have been able to control anti-Russian propaganda in this country?

Mr. SMITHERS

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement issued by the Russian Ambassador immediately after he had—

Mr. SPEAKER

That is going beyond the question on the Paper.

Rear-Admiral BEAMISH

Has the Note of which the right hon. Gentleman spoke been published, and, if not, when will it be published?

Mr. HENDERSON

The Note is going to be laid as expeditiously as we can get it printed.